Iona is still awaiting official word from the NCAA on Norvel Pelle’s eligibility and thus the 7-footer from California won’t enroll until midseason, a source with direct knowledge told SNY.tv Friday.
In a best-case scenario, Pelle would enroll in December and suit up for the second half of Iona’s season, including the MAAC schedule and the postseason.
“Yes, I’m waiting on the NCAA,” Pelle told SNY.tv last month after the former St. John’s signee shocked many in the college basketball world by verbally committing to the Gaels after visiting the campus.
At that time, Rambo Rasheed, Pelle’s brother, compared Pelle to Kevin Durant.
“I think he’s going to be what everybody is comparing him to right now,” Rasheed said then. “A ‘KD type of player. a new age KD. Honestly, I think he’s going to be the new age basketball player.
“He’s 6-11, he can handle exceptionally well. He can shoot it exceptionally well from the mid-range. He’s one of the fastest people up and down the court. His athleticism speaks for itself.”
