John Riek cleared by the NCAA

Big news today for Mississippi State as the NCAA has cleared 7'1" center John Riek to play. He is going to have to sit out the first nine games of the season.

Riek has loads of talent, and at one time was thought to be a guy that would be a top five NBA Draft. But after some knee problems and a flirtation with Cincinnati, Riek spent the season with IMG Academy in Florida.

If Riek is healthy, he will provide MSU with another excellent shotblocker to go along with Varnado. It may be tough for the two to play together offensively as they are both sub-par offensive players.

But with those two along a front line defensively, MSU may not give up a bucket in the paint all season.

The question now for Rick Stansbury - is Riek healthy and in game shape? And more importantly, will Renardo Sidney get cleared by the NCAA