Aug. 27, 2010

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - University of Memphis head basketball coach Josh Pastner announced Friday that the NCAA has completed, through its normal processes, the review of Hippolyte Tsafack's academic record and declared him eligible for the 2010-11 basketball season.

"We are very pleased with the decision from the NCAA that clears Hippolyte for competition this season," Pastner stated. "We (university) continued to provide additional documentation to the NCAA for its review, which is part of its normal routine process.

"We're happy to be at full strength as we move forward with preparations for the 2010-11 season."

Tsafack, originally from Cameroon, attended The Miller School in Charlottesville, Va., and played basketball for the Mavericks. This past year, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged a double-double of 14.2 points and 11.4 rebounds in helping lead The Miller School to the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA) Division I state semifinals. He also averaged 1.9 blocks.

Tsafack was named to the VISAA Division I All-State first team and the Charlottesville Daily Progress All-Central Virginia second team in 2009-10.

As a junior in 2008-09, Tsafack led the Mavericks to the VISAA Division 2 state championship. He averaged 11.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots that year.

The University of Memphis fall semester starts Monday, Aug. 30.