Forward Curtis Washington, who transferred from the USC Trojans to play for the Georgia St. Panthers, was denied his appeal to play this season by the NCAA, according to Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Head coach Ron Hunter said that the team considered appealing the ruling, but opted not to.

This is not the first time this has happened. Guard Manny Atkins, who transferred to the Panthers from the Virginia Tech Hokies, was also denied the appeal last season and will only be eligible to play this year. The absence of Washington should lead to more playing time and opportunities for the Panthers' T.J. Shipes, Laron Smith and Denny Burguillos.

While Washington may not be able to play, 6'6 combo player Markus Crider has been impressing Hunter at practice. Hunter believes that Crider is skilled enough to play any position from point guard to power forward. Guard Ryann Green, a walk-on last year, is also impressing Hunter with his toughness.