Villanova head coach Jay Wright got some immediate help in his backcourt Monday, as the NCAA ruled favorably toward Wake Forest transfer Tony Chennault, allowing him to play at the start of the 2012-13 season, the school announced in a statement.
“The Chennault family has been dealing with so much this year,” said head coach Jay Wright in the release. “Tony’s mom has faced health issues and his brother, Mike Jay, died tragically earlier this month. We are grateful that the NCAA has taken these unique circumstances into account and I know Tony is excited about the opportunity to be on the court with us next season.”
Chennault, a native of Philadelphia who attended powerhouse Neumann-Goretti High School (Pa.), presents the traditional case for the NCAA to grant a hardship waiver, as he moves significantly closer to home to be with family.
He averaged 9.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game this past season for Wake Forest.
With the departure of guards Maalik Wayns and Dominic Cheek to the NBA draft, Chennault should work his way into the rotation immediately with the Wildcats.
Wayns and Cheek together accounted for over 40% of Villanova’s scoring in 2011-12.
Chennault will be one of two newcomers in the backcourt, alongside incoming freshman Ryan Arcidiacono.
Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_