Stewart’s UCI Debut Is Put on Hold Again

Keith Stewart’s long-anticipated debut for the UC Irvine basketball team has been delayed again, this time because he has not been declared academically eligible under Irvine rules.

Stewart, a guard who transferred from Marquette last winter, sat out four games this season under NCAA regulations that require a transfer to complete an academic year at his new school before playing. He then was forced to sit an additional game because of a suspension stemming from NCAA rules violations that occurred while he was at Marquette.

Irvine, in need of an offensive boost, expected Stewart to be available for its game against Loyola of Chicago tonight, but Stewart stayed home while athletic department officials tried to confirm his academic status.

Irvine regulations--more stringent than NCAA rules--require a 2.0 grade-point average for eligibility. Although the fall quarter is over, grades have not been officially posted, and it could not be confirmed whether Stewart has met the requirement. If he is declared eligible, he is expected to meet the team in time for its game against Bradley on Saturday in Peoria, Ill.