The UCF Basketball team received great news Monday.
Senior point guard A.J. Rompza will be returning to the Knights lineup after the NCAA ruled that he will be reinstated as early as Dec. 30 if he repays $900 in improper benefits.
“We respect the NCAA’s decision,” head coach Donnie Jones said in a press release from UCFAthletics.com. “I know sitting out is tough for A.J. and that he is anxious to get going. Once he meets the requirements set forth by the NCAA, we will welcome him back.”
Rompza’s reinstatement is a huge boost to the team’s rotation as well as their morale. Rompza is the team’s captain and heart, so this will be a big help in the Knights goals of winning Conference-USA and making the NCAA Tournament.
The point guard has missed three games so far this season. He will be eligible to return for the UCF Holiday Classic game, against either James Madison or Rhode Island on Dec. 30.
Rompza averaged 6.4 points and 3.2 assists in 31 games last season. He’s been the Knights starter at the one for the last three years minus some game’s last year due to injury.
Sophomore Isaiah Sykes has been starting at point guard for the Knights so far this season. He’s averaging 11 points, 5.7 rebounds and three assists so far.
The ruling on Rompza is fortunately not too harsh after early rumors stated Rompza could miss the entire 2011-2012 season. The NCAA launched an investigation on UCF in April regarding possible recruiting violations from members of the football and basketball teams.
UCF has 90 days to respond to the allegations.
“We have worked with the NCAA on this issue and are satisfied that the outcome is fair and appropriate,” interim Director of Athletics Al Harms said in a press release from UCFAthletics.com
