STORRS, Conn. - The NCAA has denied a waiver request that would have allowed University of Tennessee transfer Evina Westbrook to play basketball for the University of Connecticut this season.
UConn argued that issues at Tennessee, which fired coach Holly Warlick in March, met the NCAA's recently revised standards for a waiver. The Huskies hoped the 6-foot guard could continue her athletic career without sitting out a season.
Westbrook tied for Tennessee's team lead in scoring last season, when she averaged 14.9 points and 5.3 assists.
UConn athletic director David Benedict said the school will appeal and added that he was surprised by the decision "because the NCAA talks to us about serving the best interest of the student."
He said UConn provided 100 pages of supporting documentation and Tennessee didn't oppose the waiver application.
UConn, ranked No. 5 in The Associated Press preseason poll, opens its season Nov. 10 against Cal.
The Lady Volunteers open their first season with former Tennessee standout Kellie Harper as head coach with Tuesday night's game at East Tennessee State University. For the first time in the history of the AP poll, which dates to 1976, the Lady Vols are not ranked.