USC transfer center Omar Oraby cleared to play by NCAA

The NCAA has cleared Omar Oraby of the USC Trojans to play this season. Oraby transferred to USC from Rice, petitioned for a hardship waiver that would allow him to play immediately, and the NCAA granted the waiver.

Standing at 7'2, Oraby will provide much-needed frontcourt depth that will again make USC a fierce defensive team to deal with on the interior, as center Dewayne Dedmon also stands at seven feet. Both Dedmon and Oraby could play together with the former situated at power forward and Oraby at center.

Oraby played with the Owls last season, averaging 6.0 points while shooting over 62 percent from the field. He was also a potent rebounder and was the team's best shot-blocker. Both Oraby and Dedmon figure to give Pac-12 teams fits this season trying to score on the inside.

Oraby will probably start in USC's season opener against Coppin State Friday night. He has been practicing with the team throughout the preseason.