EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) Evansville forward Deandre Williams will not play this season after being ruled ineligible by the NCAA.

The Purple Aces said Wednesday that NCAA officials denied the school's request for a waiver. Williams was considered a non-qualifier but will be allowed to keep his scholarship and practice with the team this season.

First-year coach Walter McCarty issued a statement saying Evansville "respected" the decision and was "excited" to have Williams around the team this season.