NCAA clears Kansas' Cheick Diallo to play Dec. 1

After a lengthy process to determine academic eligibility, the NCAA ruled Wednesday that Kansas forward Cheick Diallo is cleared for play starting Dec. 1.

The Mali-born Diallo was awaiting a ruling on his eligibility since before the season, a time period not lost on NCAA vice-president Oliver Luck.

"Our goal is to have eligibility decisions made prior to the start of a student-athlete's season," said Luck in the NCAA's press release. "However, this was a complicated case involving international transcripts and a high school that remains under review. Additionally, staff considered a complex set of circumstances regarding amateurism."

Kansas presented new information to the NCAA on Nov. 20, and the organization ruled that Diallo received limited benefits, resulting in the five-game suspension that will end following Wednesday's contest against Vanderbilt.

The 2015 MVP of the McDonald's All-American game is eligible to make his debut against Loyola (Md.) on Tuesday.