Billy Edelin is eligible to play for the Syracuse men’s basketball team for the entire season, the NCAA announced Wednesday.

Edelin, a junior point guard, appealed an earlier NCAA decision saying he would be held out for first semester. Edelin was granted an academic waiver for the 2004-2005 season.

‘We want to continue to support Billy as he works toward his degree,’ SU head coach Jim Boeheim said in a press release. ‘To that end, he will not join our regular practice sessions until he and I are comfortable with his academic standing this semester. We feel that should be his biggest priority right now.’

Syracuse had submitted a progress-toward-degree waiver to the NCAA on Edelin’s behalf earlier this semester. He is now eligible to compete in games.

Edelin is taking 18 credits this semester, including three Friday classes, in the hope that he would have been able to return to the team in the spring semester.

Boeheim and associate head coach Bernie Fine declined further comment. Assistant coach Mike Hopkins had an arrangement to attend after yesterday’s practice and couldn’t comment. Edelin was not made available to the media yesterday.

The waiver was filed on behalf of Edelin after he took a medical leave from the university in February. Edelin took classes over two sessions this summer but did not have the amount of credits required. Though Edelin has only used two years of eligibility, the NCAA considers Edelin a senior academically because Edelin came to SU in the fall of 2001. He has two years of eligibility remaining at Syracuse.

‘We’re all pleased with the actions of the NCAA,’ Boeheim said in the release. ‘This is another situation that proves that the NCAA staff is working with the best interests of the student-athlete in mind.’

Though Edelin could have practiced with SU before the waiver was approved, he had not participated in an official practice this season.

When reached for comment, Edelin’s father, William, had not yet been informed of the NCAA’s decision. He said he expected an NCAA decision later this week.

‘It’s about time he’s finally caught a break,’ William said. ‘I’m very glad. He’ll finally have a chance to start from the beginning.

‘I feel it was the proper decision. Now, maybe he can put all of that aside and just concentrate on being part of the team.’

Senior Hakim Warrick, too, found out about the NCAA’s decision after practice yesterday.

‘They finally gave him a break,’ Warrick said. ‘It helps us a lot, not having to wait for him. He’ll be there to fill his role from the start. Hopefully he can play a full season.’

Sophomore Demetris Nichols started 15 times in place of Edelin last season. Although he is eligible to play, it’s not known if Edelin will regain his starting spot this season.

‘I think it makes us a lot tougher,’ Warrick said of Edelin’s return. ‘I think Josh (Wright) is really going to benefit with the tips and pointers.’

Warrick, who came to SU in the fall of 2001 with Edelin, said he did not expect the NCAA to respond so quickly.

‘It was surprising with them finally giving him a break,’ Warrick said. ‘It was kind of shocking when I first heard about it. I thought he would have to at least sit out the first month or the first couple games.

‘He’s been working out by himself, so he should be able to come right in. I think he’s really had some hard times. It’s good to see him finally get a decision.’

Asst. sports editor Michael Becker contributed to this story.

Published on October 20, 2004 at 12:00 pm