Jeff Thomas won’t play for the Georgia State men’s basketball team this year.
The NCAA’s final decision to rule Thomas ineligible was announced by the athletic department on Monday. Georgia State can’t appeal the decision. Thomas will be a redshirt freshman in the 2015-16 season. A Georgia State spokesman declined to say what the issue was that led to the NCAA’s ruling.
“We are obviously disappointed with the decision,” coach Ron Hunter said in a statement from the university. “We will continue to support Jeff as he works toward his degree this year and look forward to him joining the team as a redshirt-freshman next year. We consider the matter closed and will continue to work on improving our team every day.”
The Panthers are 6-2 and will next play at Old Dominion on Dec. 17.
Thomas, a 6-foot-5 guard from Ohio, was pencilled into the starting lineup by Hunter in the preseason because of his shooting ability. Thomas averaged 18 points, nine rebounds and three assists per game to earn first team all-state honors as a senior at Norwalk High School.
Thomas is one of several players sitting out this year for Georgia State. Also out this year becuase of the NCAA’s transfer rules are former Indiana player Jeremy Hollowell and former Samford guard Isaiah Williams.
