NCAA, Big West Reject Appeal by Titans’ Nayab

Ali Nayab’s bid for a redshirt year, which would allow him to play this coming basketball season for Cal State Fullerton, has been turned down by the NCAA and the Big West Conference, an athletic department spokesman said Tuesday.

Assistant athletic director Mel Franks said Nayab has the opportunity for a final appeal to the Big West Conference Council, which meets Nov. 4-6 in Los Angeles.

Nayab, a point guard, played in two exhibition games before the 1994-95 season but had back problems and did not play during the regular season. He continued to practice with the team for most of the season.

Franks said Nayab appealed to the NCAA for the additional year because of limited activity but was denied. Another appeal to the conference based on medical hardship also was rejected.

Nayab, who played two seasons at Southwestern College in San Diego before transferring to Fullerton, played in all 26 games last year, starting 13, and averaged 4.7 points and 3.4 assists.