"This has been a long process and we are obviously thrilled to learn that we will get Jaron back for one more season," UND head coach Brian Jones said. "There are a lot of people to thank for their efforts, including Kara Helmig and her compliance staff along with our entire athletic administration.
"I also want to thank the NCAA and its review committee because now Jaron will be able to turn his college experience into a positive one. He's gone through a tough road to get here with his father's illness and dealling with some of his own injuries, but this decision will enable him to build upon his future and hopefully lift his family's spirits."
Nash applied for a waiver to play right away when he first transferred, but it was denied by the NCAA and he had to sit out his first year in Grand Forks. Thankfully, the NCAA has made the logical choice and reversed course.
Nash will be the leading returning scorer, as he averaged 10.8 PPG and 4.5 RPG last season. He's an extremely athletic forward who shot 57% on twos and 37% on threes last year, though he needs to improve on an abysmal 33% on free throws last season. He is a solid rebounder as well, grabbing about 8% of available offensive rebounds and 16% of defensive rebounds last year.
All in all, he brings much needed experience and explosiveness to the frontcourt, and should help bridge North Dakota as they transition from their great group of seniors last year. It's a big development for UND, and a nice way to end things for Jaron Nash.
* They also hope New Mexico State transfer Terrell de Rouen will be eligible to play right away.
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So how much of a jump do you see out of this? Middle of the pack now (5-8?)
ReplyDeleteGonna be contenders brah
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