NCAA amends rule that could allow Purdue's Haas to play vs. Texas Tech

The NCAA has amended a rule interpretation that could lead to Purdue big man Isaac Haas playing in the Boilermakers' Sweet 16 showdown against Texas Tech on Friday night.

Haas hurt his elbow after falling hard to the court during Purdue's Round of 64 victory over Cal State Fullerton last Friday. Engineering students at the school have been working closely with athletic director Mike Bobinski to create an elbow brace that would allow Haas to play.

The students were successful in creating a brace that was void of metal and met all other requirements, prompting the NCAA to review its rules and paving the way for Haas to compete Friday night with the brace protecting his injured elbow.

NCAA rule 1-26.2 related to braces states: "Elbow, hand, finger, wrist or forearm guards, casts or braces made of fiberglass, plaster, metal or any other non-pliable substance shall be prohibited. Rule 1-26.4 adds that, "Pliable (flexible or easily bent) material covered on all exterior sides and edges with not less than 1/2-inch thickness of slow-rebounding foam, may be used to immobilize and protect an injury."

NCAA senior vice president Dan Gavitt Isaac believes technological advancements have necessitated change.

"Technology has improved materials used in braces, so now there will be more flexibility in applying the rule as long as the brace is fully covered and padded," he said.

"And other players in similar circumstances should be able to play, as long as the brace is safe for all."

However, Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter has already made it clear that Haas would need to show him "something different at shootaround" Friday in order to play. On Thursday, Painter told the media that Haas would need the ability to shoot a right-handed free throw and get a rebound with two hands.

Purdue and Texas Tech are set for a 9:57 p.m. ET tip.