The NCAA Clearinghouse has ruled 6-foot-8 freshman forward Jin Soo Kim eligible for the 2008-2009 men’s basketball season, according to a press release from the Athletics Department.
“He can really shoot,” coach Gary Williams said of Kim last week. “He’s one of the best shooters here right now.”
This report comes after an article in The Washington Post on Friday reported Kim had been denied eligibility but would be able to show further paperwork to prove he completed the necessary courses to be eligible.
Kim injured his shoulder last basketball season as a senior at South Kent School in Connecticut. He then withdrew from classes and returned home to South Korea for surgery. The Clearinghouse had to verify whether the courses he completed at home were valid replacements for his American course work.
“If he is declared, he can definitely compete for some time this year,” guard Eric Hayes said last month, while the situation was still tenuous. Now it appears Kim will have that opportunity.
Williams said Kim will begin practicing with the team Wednesday. The lanky 19-year-old will wear No. 11 for the Terps and will likely contribute at the small forward position.
He is the first player born in South Korea to ever commit to a Division I basketball program.
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