Ohio State's Mickey Mitchell cleared to play by the NCAA

After a long back and forth with the NCAA, freshman Mickey Mitchell has been cleared to play for Ohio State by the NCAA Eligibility Center, and could play Saturday against Kentucky.

Ohio State's vice president and athletic director Gene Smith released the following statement:

Ohio State freshman forward Mickey Mitchell has been declared eligible by the NCAA Eligibility Center and will be available to play Saturday vs. Kentucky in New York," Gene Smith, Ohio State vice president and director of athletics, said. "The efforts of the NCAA staff to bring this to closure is greatly appreciated."

Having the 6'7 small forward from Plano, TX should be a good boost for an Ohio State basketball team that has struggled for the majority of the young basketball season.

Mitchell originally committed to the Buckeyes in August of 2013, but later explored options, until reaffirming his commitment in September of 2014. Mitchell led his high school team to the Texas State Championship, averaging 9.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.

If he can provide any production Saturday, it would be a great help going against one of the nation's top teams.