Clinch says he’s eligible, ready to join hoops team

Maybe no one is happier for finals to be over at Georgia Tech than guard Lewis Clinch.

The senior was declared academically ineligible for the fall semester and wasn’t allowed to play until he raised his grade-point average above 2.0.

With the end of exams Friday, Clinch said he has earned the necessary grades to get back on the court.

“Everybody’s excited about getting me back in the fold,” said Clinch, who has been practicing with the team.

Whether he can play Sunday against Illinois-Chicago at Alexander Memorial Coliseum is another matter.

The team was working to expedite the grade-posting process in order for him to be cleared in time for the 2 p.m. game.

However, it appeared unlikely that the grades will not be posted until Monday, meaning that Clinch’s first game will likely be Wednesday against Georgia State.

The Jackets (5-1) will have a considerable challenge against Illinois-Chicago (5-2). The Flames, out of the Horizon League, have won four games in a row, all by double digits. In that streak is a 74-55 win at Vanderbilt, which Tech managed to only defeat 63-51 at home.

The Illinois-Chicago player to watch is guard Josh Mayo, who is averaging 21 points per game and hit eight of 10 three-point tries against Vanderbilt.

This will be Tech’s first game in eight days, as the team did not play this past week because of exams.

“I think everybody knows that Georgia Tech is a tough institute,” said forward Alade Aminu. “Just trying to stay focused and on top of your grades and worrying about plays and basketball is definitely a tough transition.”