Thomas Ruled Eligible For OU Basketball

The NCAA has ruled Oklahoma basketball player TaShawn Thomas eligible for the entire 2014-15 season, according to multiple reports.

Thomas, a senior, transferred from Houston in the offseason and applied for a waiver to play immediately this season. The Sooners were told to expect the news several weeks ago, but as with many NCAA issues, the ruling was delayed.

Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports was the first to report the ruling. Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger confirmed the ruling and said Thomas would play in Sunday's season-opener against Southeastern Louisiana. 

"We're really pleased for TaShawn," said Kruger. "He's worked really hard to be on course to graduate in May, and this gives him an opportunity to finish his degree and his eligibility concurrently. We're very happy to be adding an experienced player to an already veteran group."

At 6-foot-8, Thomas provides the Sooners with another big body in the paint and adds more experience to an already experienced starting lineup. With Thomas in the mix, the Sooners boast arguably one of the best starting lineups in college basketball.

Thomas' presence also takes some pressure off the younger big men on the OU roster to develop quickly.

Thomas averaged 14.5 points and 8.7 rebounds in three seasons at Houston, including 15.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game a season ago.