One day after picking up a win over Marist in their MAAC opener, the Monmouth basketball program received some bad news regarding the status of a freshman who was expected to be a solid contributor.
According to Joshua Newman of the Asbury Park Press, the school’s final appeal on behalf of freshman guard Micah Seaborn was denied by the NCAA Friday. This means that the former Prime Prep guard cannot play or practice with the team this season.
Seaborn was declared ineligible in early November, with the school being allowed to appeal the decision.
Friday’s verdict is a disappointing one for Seaborn and Monmouth, but it should be noted that he can keep his athletic scholarship. And should Seaborn have at least 80 percent of his degree requirements taken care of ahead of his fifth year, the NCAA would “give back” that final season of eligibility.
Ten players are playing at least 12 minutes per contest for the Hawks this season, with Deon Jones (12.4 ppg) and Justin Robinson (10.3) being their lone double-digit scorers and Andrew Nicholas not far behind at 9.7 ppg. Seaborn would have given them another body had he been eligible to play in games, but the decision hurts more from a practice standpoint as he won’t even be allowed to work in the Monmouth system in preparation for next season.