NC State will likely hold out SG Kam Woods despite new ruling making him eligible

As we reported yesterday, a federal ruling came down that put a temporary restraining order on the rule that forced 2nd-time transfers (prior to Graduation) to sit out a year.

That ruling made SG Kam Woods immediately eligible for the Wolfpack.

Woods played for North Carolina A&T last year, averaging 17.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals. He led A&T in points, assists and three-pointers, and earned Second Team All-CAA honors. Many around the program believed if Woods became eligible, he would certainly get some minutes on this team, due to his performance in off-season workouts and practices.

All of that said, the temporary restraining order is only good for 14 days, and on December 27th, the judge will have the ability to issue a Preliminary Injunction, which would continue to make players currently ineligible to play under the current NCAA Transfer Rules, eligible for the remainder of the trial.

If the trial lasts the remainder of the season, then no harm, no foul, Woods can play. However, if the preliminary injunction is not granted, and NC State decides to play Woods in this 14-day window, he would lose a year of eligibility.

This is from ESPN’s reporting of the NCAA’s published FAQs on the decision.

“The NCAA published an eight-question document designed to help its membership in understanding issues stemming from Wednesday’s decision. The fourth question asked whether the season of competition legislation applies to a student-athlete competing during the 14-day TRO.

“Yes,” the document states. “The 14-day TRO only enjoined Bylaw 14.5.5.1 and does not change the season of competition legislation.”

So there is risk involved here…

And even if the injunction is granted, the rule only would apply until the trial is finalized, which COULD happen sooner than the end of the season. If the trial goes in favor of the NCAA, then Woods would become ineligible again this season AND lose a year of eligibility.

All that to say, this is super complicated, but most coaches are likely going to be pretty conservative here.

LSU, UTSA, and McNeese State all held out players already who were now eligible under the TRO. NC State will likely do the same.

Meanwhile, former NC State PG, Cam Hayes, who transferred to ECU,  suited up for the Pirates and played 25 minutes. Unfortunately, he went 1-9 from the floor, and finished with 2 points in their game last night vs. Florida.

UNLV’s Keylan Boone also jumped the gun and played in the Runnin’ Rebels win over Creighton. He was a transfer from Pacific, who had already transferred from OK State, and was awaiting a waiver.

Keatts will likely play it conservatively with Woods against a Top 15-ranked Tennessee squad. Woods likely wouldn’t break into the lineup over Horne and Taylor, who are both playing well, so there isn’t a point in potentially risking burning a year of eligibility for nothing…but no official word yet, so anything is possible.