DePaul Walkon Granted Eligibility to Play

DePaul’s Jimmy Drew, a transfer from Southeast Missouri State, has been granted a transfer waiver by the NCAA and is eligible to play as early as Wednesday, the school announced today.

The 6-4, 210 lb. guard will have two years of eligibility remaining. Drew played two seasons at SEMO before redshirting last season following a season ending foot injury.

As a sophomore, Drew averaged 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game and led the team in three point shooting percentage with 40.3%. Jimmy scored a career-high 19 points (6-9 FG, 6-8 3pt. FG) against Coppin State in his sophomore season.

Jimmy Drew played his high school ball for Anna-Jonesboro in Illinois for his father Jim Drew where he averaged 23.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game as a senior.

"Jimmy has been working hard since the start of practice and into the season while the appeal process with the NCAA has been ongoing," DePaul coach Jerry Wainwright said in a statement. "Doug Bakker in our compliance office has been working on this and it's great to see Jimmy get an opportunity to play right away."

According to the school, the NCAA granted Drew the transfer rule waiver based on extenuating circumstances at Southeast Missouri State prior to and leading to his transfer. The men's basketball program at Southeast Missouri State was put on a two-year probation in June 2008.

Drew reportedly left the Southeast Missouri State squad in June following an arrest for driving while intoxicated. He later enrolled at DePaul for the fall quarter.

Jimmy will wear number 23 for the Blue Demons on Wednesday night at Allstate Arena as they take on American University.

The Blue Demons now have four walkons eligible to play this season. Drew joins freshmen Nate Rogers, Joe Belcaster, and Ryan Siggins.