The LSU men’s basketball program announced in a statement Wednesday that the NCAA ruled transfer Jalen Cook ineligible to play for the Tigers this season.

Under NCAA rules, Cook’s status as a two-time transfer requires him to sit out a season before playing for LSU. He applied for a waiver exception for immediate eligibility, and the team had been waiting on the NCAA’s ruling.

Because he was waiting on word from the NCAA, Cook was unable to participate in the team’s season-opening exhibition game against Louisiana Christian. He has been practicing with the team.

Cook transferred to LSU from Tulane this offseason.

LSU said in the statement that, in response to the NCAA’s decision, the program has submitted additional information to the NCAA and is now awaiting a second ruling.

“We believe strongly in the merit of Jalen’s case for immediate eligibility upon his return to LSU, and we will continue to fight for him,” the statement said.

Cook was expected to play a major role for the Tigers this season if ruled eligible, bringing a scoring punch from the backcourt that the team was missing last season.

Without Cook, LSU will have to rely on transfer Carlos Stewart, Trae Hannibal and freshman Mike Williams III to provide production at the point guard spot.

Cook, a former four-star recruit from nearby Walker High, started his career with LSU as a freshman in the 2020-21 season. He saw sparse minutes in 20 games and averaged 3.1 points per game.

After his freshman season, Cook transferred to Tulane and spent two years there as a starter, making the All-AAC first team both seasons. He averaged 19 points and 4.2 assists during that time.

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