Dec. 18, 2003

WACO, Texas -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) today reinstated the eligibility of Baylor University men's basketball student-athlete Harvey Thomas.

The University had declared Thomas, a junior, ineligible based on a determination by the University's Compliance Investigation Committee that a benefit had been provided Thomas by former members of the men's basketball staff in violation of NCAA regulations.

"Our coaching staff and team are very excited to have Harvey eligible to play," Drew said. "We appreciate the University's Compliance Investigative Committee's thoroughness in the matter."

Baylor had withheld Thomas from competition in the first eight games of the 2003-04 season. A native of Fredericksburg, Va., the 6-8 transfer from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M will see his first action in a Baylor uniform on Friday, Dec. 19, when the 4-4 Bears face BYU-Hawaii in the Hawaii Surf N'Slam at Laie, Hawaii.

"I am really thankful that this is behind me and I want to thank all of those involved in the final decision," Thomas said. "I am looking forward to getting out there and playing."

Ranked as the nation's No. 3 junior college power forward by Lindy's magazine, Thomas helped Northeastern Oklahoma A&M to a 21-11 record and to the Region II semifinals. He spent the 2001-02 season at Georgetown, where he averaged 5.2 points and 2.5 rebounds for the Hoyas in 28 appearances.