Bost suspended nine games by NCAA

STARKVILLE , Miss. - Mississippi State junior guard Dee Bost learned on Wednesday his eligibility will be restored by the NCAA following a nine-game suspension for failing to properly withdraw by the May 8 NBA draft deadline. Bost, who is currently academically ineligible to play the fall semester, will begin serving his suspension once he regains his academic eligibility in early December.

"I want to thank the NCAA for hearing my case and allowing me to return to school and play basketball," Bost said. "I only wanted to test the waters and then return to Mississippi State . I realize I made a huge mistake in how I handled the situation, and I am thankful for a second chance."

The Concord , N.C. , native has started all 72 games for the Bulldogs since his arrival and is 140 points shy of 1,000 for a career. With 344 assists, he's also on pace to break the school record of 514 that is currently held by Derrick Zimmerman. This past season, Bost averaged 13 points and 4.4 rebounds, while dishing out 188 assists and collecting 47 steals.

"I'm happy for Dee and for our basketball program," MSU athletics director Scott Stricklin said. "Our compliance staff, led by Bracky Brett, has put a lot of time and effort into this process, and I appreciate the NCAA taking all the circumstances surrounding this case under consideration."

The Bulldogs, who posted a 24-12 record en route to winning the Western Division a year ago, officially begin practice on Oct. 15. The first game is slated for Nov. 12 at Humphrey Coliseum against Tennessee State . The rest of the slate will be announced at a later date.

"I'm glad to have this behind us and now we can move forward," 13th-year MSU coach Rick Stansbury said.