The University of Memphis men's basketball team received news last week that suspended players John Grice and Courtney Trask will be allowed to return to the court February 15th in a home game against Cincinnati.
Both players were suspended pending the investigation of alleged academic misconduct, and have sat out the Tigers' last 11 games.
In a ruling by U of M officials, which encompasses both NCAA and university sanctions, it has been determined that the two players be suspended for a total of 16 games.
University media relations could not comment on the specific terms of the suspensions, due to federal laws protecting student records and proceedings.
Trask, who started at point guard before his suspension, was averaging 6.1 points and 2.9 assists per game this season.
Grice, a junior college transfer in his first season at Memphis, was averaging 4.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per game this season.
They last saw action December 5th in an 86-76 loss at Tennessee.
The Tigers are coming off their sixth straight win after a 72-68 victory Saturday night over Houston.
The win elevated Memphis into a first place tie with Southern Mississippi in Conference USA's National Division.
U of M students are optimistic about how the team is currently playing, and they believe that Trask and Grice will improve the Tigers' post-season outlook.
"They are playing fine and I think they should make the NCAA Tournament," said Chris Edwards, a sophomore MIS major.
Samuel Christian, a junior computer science major, said he thinks the addition of Trask and Grice will provide more depth and help some of the Tigers' injured players.
Junior Reginald Wade said he thinks the Tigers have not lived up to their potential yet this season.
"I think they can do better because they have a good starting lineup, but I think Calipari has made a difference toward the team," Wade said.
Wade said he believes the return of the suspended players will help the team because they are both offensive threats.
