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Memphis basketball transfer Damaria Franklin's eligibility status clears another hurdle

Damaria Franklin’s time in eligibility purgatory isn’t over.

But it might be soon, according to Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway. Franklin, a 6-foot-3 guard who transferred from Illinois-Chicago (UIC) in September, has not yet played for the Tigers this season because he is a two-time transfer.

The school submitted a mental health waiver to the NCAA on Franklin’s behalf last month. During a radio interview before Saturday’s game against Ole Miss, Hardaway told Dave Woloshin the matter recently cleared another hurdle.

The NCAA had been awaiting a response from UIC officials before moving forward. Hardaway told Woloshin the NCAA received no objection from UIC with regard to Franklin’s mental health waiver request.

“UIC is saying they’re going to support the waiver and now it’s on the NCAA to make the decision,” Hardaway said. “With what we’ve learned this week, we’re hoping the NCAA makes the call in time for (Tuesday’s game against) Little Rock.”

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After Saturday's Ole Miss game, the Tigers return to action against Little Rock on Tuesday (7 p.m.) before facing No. 15 Auburn in Atlanta on Dec. 10 (4 p.m.).

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball: Damaria Franklin's eligibility case moves forward