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Heron receives eligibility waiver to play at St. John's

Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Mustapha Heron has received a hardship waiver from the NCAA declaring him eligible to play for St. John's this season after transferring from Auburn in May.

The 6-foot-5 guard applied for the waiver to be closer to his ill mother during the upcoming basketball season.

"I'm incredibly thankful that the NCAA has decided to allow me to play right away closer to home," Heron said, according to ESPN's Jeff Borzello. "I would like to thank all of the staff at St. John's that fought to make this a possibility for me and my family."

St. John's head coach and Naismith Hall of Famer Chris Mullin has one of the most formidable backcourts in college basketball as Heron joins forces with point guard Shamorie Ponds.

"It is important for Mustapha to be close to his family during this difficult time, so providing him the opportunity to play immediately will be a great benefit as he continues to pursue his personal goals," Mullin said. "Mustapha is a high-character young man with loads of talent who will now be able to showcase it on the highest stage."

Heron averaged 16.4 points and 5.3 boards last season.

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