Transfer Jermaine Lawrence eligible immediately at Manhattan

Manhattan coach Steve Masiello announced Wednesday that Cincinnati transfer Jermaine Lawrence is eligible to play for the Jaspers this season. Lawrence was the

Manhattan coach Steve Masiello announced Wednesday that Cincinnati transfer Jermaine Lawrence is eligible to play for the Jaspers this season.

Lawrence was the No. 9-ranked power forward and the No. 26-ranked player in the class of 2013, according to the recruiting website Rivals.com, with scholarship offers from Kansas, Syracuse and UCLA, among other programs.

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The 6-foot-9 Lawrence averaged 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 26 games for Cincinnati last season. He sat out eight games due to a toe injury.

Lawrence elected to transfer after learning that his father had been battling cancer, according to the New York Post. He planned to file a hardship waiver for immediate eligibility.

The Jaspers went 25-8 and earned a No. 13 seed in this year's NCAA Tournament before losing to No. 4 seed Louisville in the second round.

Jermaine Lawrence is eligible for the 2014 -2015 season!!! Jasper Nation let's go!!!!!

— Stephen Masiello (@steve_masiello) August 13, 2014

- Chris Johnson