College basketball insider slams NCAA over Joe Bamisile ruling

ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas had some thoughts on the NCAA's decision to deny Bamisile's waiver. 

"There is no legitimate reason to deny this transfer," Bilas said. "Bamisile lives eight miles from VCU. Does the NCAA believe his father is faking his illness and Bamisile is faking his mental health issues? The NCAA should not be in this business."

Bilas has reason to be furious with the NCAA. Earlier this year, when the NCAA clarified its transfer waiver guidelines, it laid out two specific circumstances that it would consider when granting waivers for immediate eligibility. 

1. "A demonstrated physical injury or illness or mental health condition that necessitated the student's transfer (supporting documentation, care plans and proximity of the student's support system will be considered)"

2. "Exigent circumstances that clearly necessitate a student-athlete's immediate departure from the previous school (e.g., physical assault or abuse, sexual assault) unrelated to the student-athlete's athletics participation."

It appears that Bamisile's documented mental health struggles, his father's medical condition and VCU being the closest school to his home meet all of the criteria the NCAA requires for a waiver consideration. 

This now begs the question: If someone with Bamisile's circumstances is not able to get a waiver, who can?

Last season, Bamisile averaged 4.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.5 assists with Oklahoma. His best year came in 2021-22 with GW, where he averaged 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists while being named to the Atlantic-10 All-Conference third team.