Maryland swingman Dez Wells‘ request for immediate eligibility after his transfer from Xavier was denied by the NCAA, a team spokesman said.
The spokesman said the school will file a further appeal to the NCAA and would have no additional comment at the moment.
Wells averaged 9.8 points and 4.9 rebounds as a freshman last season at Xavier. The school expelled Wells in August for a “serious violation” of the university’s code of student of student conduct. A Cincinnati grand jury rejected criminal sexual assault charges against Wells.
The 6-foot-5, 215-pound wing would be a significant addition to the Terrapins (17-15 in 2011-12) if he was eligible immediately. If Maryland does not win its appeal, Wells would have three years of eligibility remaining beginning next season.
In a 20-minute scrimmage on Saturday, Wells was arguably the most effective player on the floor, and it was clear he provided both toughness and a measure of flexibility for coach Mark Turgeon’s team.
