Bruins Reinstate Mccoy To Playing Status

Tue., Dec. 23, 1997

Associated Press

Jelani McCoy has been reinstated to playing status for ninth-ranked UCLA’s men’s basketball team, effective next week, and will make his season debut when the Bruins host Illinois on Dec. 30.

McCoy, a 6-foot-9-1/2 junior center, was suspended for violation of athletic department policies and team rules on Sept. 29, and reinstated for practices on Dec. 1.

Senior swingman Kris Johnson, suspended with McCoy nearly three months ago, was reinstated for practices on Nov. 17 and for games on Dec. 9.

“Jelani has worked very hard to earn his reinstatement and has done everything we have asked of him,” coach Steve Lavin said. “We are happy he has accomplished the goals we set for him in September and we are excited to have him back on the team.”

McCoy averaged 10.9 points and 6.5 rebounds while blocking 61 shots in helping UCLA go 24-8 win a third straight Pac-10 title last season and came within one win of reaching the Final Four.

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Bruins Reinstate Mccoy To Playing Status

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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