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Bill Self remains “confident” Cheick Diallo will be eligible this season

Bill Self

AP Photo

AP

With five weeks before Late Night in the Phog, the most pressing question for the Kansas program is the eligibility status of five-star freshman Cheick Diallo.

The 6-foot-9 forward was enrolled in summer courses at Kansas, earning six credits, but is still waiting to be cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center. The issue involves Diallo’s high school, Our Savior New American (New York), which is under NCAA review. Diallo’s OSNA teammate, Damon Wilson, who is now as Pitt, is also waiting to be cleared. Alabama commit Kobie Eubanks, another former OSNA player, was ruled not cleared earlier this month, although his prep career ended elsewhere.

Other players, like Oklahoma State’s Davon Dillard, another member of OSNA’s Class of 2015, was cleared, according to CBS Sports.

Kansas head coach Bill Self spoke with reporters on Monday and remained optimistic that his blue-chip big man will be eligible to play this season.

“We want to know what all classes counted for other kids, too,” Self said, via Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star. “It’s nervous, because we don’t know. … But I’m confident; I’m confident.”

“Other kids are getting cleared from that school, too,” Self added. “But they just haven’t made a determination on Cheick, because they haven’t had his stuff as long as other kids.”

Self had previously stated wouldn’t be surprised if Diallo had to wait at least another month for the ruling.

Diallo was rated the No. 5 overall recruit in the Class of 2015 by Rivals. His high school career ended with MVP honors at both the McDonald’s All American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic.

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