Trevor Thompson's request to play immediately for Ohio State basketball is denied

UPDATE, Aug. 3, 2014, 3:27 p.m.:

According to Bob Baptist of the Columbus Dispatch, there seems to be some confusion as to whether Thompson has actually been ruled ineligible for the entire season, or just for Ohio State's upcoming trip to the Bahamas.

Thad Matta and an athletic department spokesman said today that, as far as they know, Thompson has been denied only the opportunity to accompany the team on its five-day trip to the Bahamas this week.

"I think what he meant to say is appeal was denied for him to go on trip," Matta said in a text message to The Dispatch. "Don't think we have been told (the NCAA's) decision for next year, but will check tomorrow."

Dan Wallenberg, associate athletic director for communications, added in a text that Thompson is "not traveling to Bahamas (but) I don't know where we are with (the appeal) process. May have more tomorrow.

Back in April, when Baptist spoke to NCAA Bylaw expert John Infante, Infante said the NCAA was unlikely to rule in favor of Thompson, because Columbus wasn't close enough to Indianapolis to fall under the hardship umbrella.

One way or another, Thompson won't be suiting up for the Scarlet and Gray in the immediate future.

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The Buckeyes got some reinforcements to their frontline in a big way when 7-foot freshman Trevor Thompson transferred to Ohio State after one season at Virginia Tech. Typically, players must sit out one season if they transfer from another program, but occasionally exceptions are made if a player is transferring to be closer to a sick family member, or for other hardship reasons.

Thompson's father lives in Indianapolis, where he is recovering from neck surgery, so Thompson thought he had a chance at getting the waiver and being allowed to play this season. He even applied for such a waiver, and thought he had a "strong case" for immediate eligibility.

If his Twitter account is any indication, though, his request was denied:

Not being able to play this year is going to be tough but it just adds more fuel to my fire to becoming the best basketball player I can be.

— Trevor Thompson (@TrevBallinTrey2) August 3, 2014

At least one major reporter thinks there is a silver lining in this decision though:

@TrevBallinTrey2 Sitting out this year is golden opportunity for you to get stronger and learn the system. Could be best thing ever happens.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) August 3, 2014

There is no question that Thompson would have been able to help Ohio State this season, but the Buckeyes won't be without a big transfer to help fortify them down low. Former Temple big man Anthony Lee will be playing, and along with Amir Williams and Trey McDonald, will make up the rotation for Buckeye big men this year, and newcomer Dave Bell could potentially contribute as well.

Williams, Lee and McDonald will also be gone after this season though, so Thompson will get his chance to be showcased by Ohio State soon enough.