Selby to Debut For Jayhawks Dec. 18 vs. Southern Cal

Nov. 19, 2010

Postgame Videos Selby Press Conference

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Freshman guard Josh Selby will make his debut for the University of Kansas basketball team on Saturday, Dec. 18, vs. Southern California in Allen Fieldhouse.

The NCAA student-athlete reinstatement staff ruled Friday that Selby must miss nine regular-season games for accepting impermissible benefits prior to his signing an athletics aid agreement at Kansas. The benefits include clothes, transportation, meals and lodging for Selby and his family. The university and the NCAA have determined that the value of these benefits is $4,607.58.

The NCAA affirmed that even when the source of the benefits is a long-time family acquaintance, when the student-athlete was a childhood acquaintance of the source’s son, or when the source is a mentor of the student-athlete, the receipt of benefits is impermissible.

“Even though I’m disappointed I have to miss nine games, I’m happy that I know when I can be on the court with my teammates,” Selby said. “I’m looking forward to helping my team win another conference championship.”

“I’m happy for Josh and his family that they can put this behind them,” said KU Interim Athletics Director Sean Lester. “This process had several moving parts, the first one being academics. Once that was addressed we and the NCAA moved to the eligibility aspect. We knew it would take time, and we appreciate our partnership with the NCAA and our constant communication during this process.”

“I’m proud of Josh and his family for the patience they have shown since Josh’s arrival on campus,” KU Head Basketball Coach Bill Self said. “Even though there was no ill intent by Josh and his family, we and they understand there are consequences if rules are violated. We’re excited to have Josh practicing again and look forward to being a complete team in December.”

The NCAA said the staff’s decision is consistent with student-athlete reinstatement committee guidelines, which start at a 30 percent withholding from games for a student-athlete who receives impermissible benefits valued at more than $1,000. Impermissible benefits are those benefits provided to an individual based on their status as an athlete, unless other NCAA rules permit the benefit in question.

“Our members have made it clear that student-athletes who receive impermissible benefits must be held accountable,” stated Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president for academic and membership affairs.

A native of Baltimore, Md., Selby was No. 1 ranked player in the final Rivals.com rankings for the class of 2010. A 6-2, 183-pound combo guard, Selby is a five-star rated player who ranked fifth on the ESPNU 100 and the Scout.com final rankings. Selby was a McDonald’s All-American who is described as a talented guard who can play many positions, is tough and a big-time scorer.

Selby averaged 32 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals for Lake Clifton High School in Baltimore in 2009-10. The Baltimore Sun‘s All-Metro Player of the Year, following his senior season at Lake Clifton, Selby scored 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting in the McDonald’s All-American game. Additionally, Selby won the 2010 McDonald’s All-American slam dunk contest and later participated in the Jordan Brand Classic.