Dec. 4, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Matt Simpkins, a 6-foot-9 freshman forward from Oakland, Calif., has been cleared to join the University of Memphis basketball team, head coach John Calipari announced Thursday. The NCAA Clearinghouse told Calipari and the Tiger coaching staff of its decision Thursday afternoon.

Simpkins, who signed a national letter of intent with Memphis this past spring, can start practicing with the team Friday.

"I'm happy for Matt, and I'm glad he can move forward," said Calipari. "He will begin practicing with us on Friday. I don't know when he'll be ready to play or how much he can contribute, but he has a lot of ground to make up."

Last year, Simpkins played for head coach Chris Chaney at The Patterson School in Lenoir, N.C. He averaged 17.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 5.1 blocks in helping lead the Bulldogs to a 32-2 overall record.