The morning of LSU’s Friday appearance in the 2019 SEC Tournament, the school announced freshman Javonte Smart was eligible to compete in the upcoming game against Florida. However, that decision did not specify if the freshman would be eligible to play in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Smart was held out by LSU for the team’s regular-season finale against Vanderbilt when his name was brought up in connection to an audio recording of Will Wade alleging “offers” were made to land Smart’s commitment at LSU. Unlike Wade, Smart has been open with LSU’s investigation into the matter and after meeting with the school’s investigators, was cleared to return to the court by the school.

Looking ahead to LSU’s upcoming NCAA Tournament appearance against Yale on Thursday, interim head coach Tony Benford says Smart will be available for that game. Benford made the announcement Monday, during the league’s weekly teleconference call, and was shared by Glenn Guilbeau of USA TODAY Sports.

Smart averaged 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists for the Tigers in his debut season in Baton Rouge. He scored 13 points on five of seven shots against Florida in LSU’s loss in the SEC Tournament.