Illini transfer must sit out season

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The NCAA has denied a hardship waiver for Illinois senior guard Ahmad Starks, meaning he will sit out the upcoming basketball season.

Starks transferred to Illinois from Oregon State after a three-year career with the Beavers. He will have one year of eligibility remaining with the Illini in 2014-15.

Illinois coach John Groce says he is disappointed and feels bad for Starks. According to Groce, Starks had a compelling case for a hardship waiver. The graduate of Chicago’s Whitney Young High School returned home to be closer to his ailing grandmother, who was instrumental in raising him.

Groce says Starks will be practicing with the team with the goal of returning to the court in the 2014-2015 season.