Mississippi State recruit OK'ed to play; UK guard gets scholarship

The NCAA has cleared Mississippi State basketball recruit John Riek to play most of the 2009-2010 season.

The university said the 7-foot-1 Sudan native must sit out nine games — or 30 percent of the season — before he can play. The NCAA found Riek received unspecified benefits before enrolling in college, potentially compromising his amateur status. Mississippi State compliance officer Bracky Brett said the suspension is the maximum allowed under NCAA rules short of barring a player from competition.

Once among the most sought-after recruits in the nation, Riek spent last season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., rehabilitating a knee injury.

Kentucky G Krebs Awarded Scholarship: Former Kentucky walk-on Mark Krebs has been awarded a scholarship by coach John Calipari for his senior season.

Krebs, from Newport, Ky., has played in 17 games during his two years with the Wildcats, scoring six points in 28 career minutes.

Calipari said Krebs’ desire to simply be a part of the team was the reason behind offering the scholarship.

The Wildcats began individual workouts today.