NCAA clears Oregon's Kazemi

Rice transfer Arsalan Kazemi received clearance to play for Oregon this season, a move that could make the Ducks a surprise Pac-12 contender.

Kazemi, a 6-7 forward, was one of several players to leave Rice since the 2011-12 season ended.

He averaged 12.1 points and 10.3 rebounds as a junior in Conference USA last season.

Kazemi and 7-foot-2 teammate Omar Oraby, who left Rice for Southern Cal, received a waiver from the NCAA to play at another Division I school this season. The decision came Thursday for Oregon and coach Dana Altman.

The Owls and coach Ben Braun signed waivers to release the players from Rice. CBSSports.com reported the school was willing to release Kazemi in fear of allegations of poor treatment at Rice.