Tennessee was hoping to have the services of big man Uros Plavsic this season after he transferred from Arizona State.

Originally, Plavsic’s waiver for immediate eligibility was denied, and then the Vols appealed the decision.

Now, the NCAA has denied the appeal, saying Plavsic will have to sit out. Tennessee issued a strong statement expressing disappointment with the NCAA’s ruling:

“Uros Plavsic was denied clearance to compete with our men’s basketball program this season, and our appeal of that decision also was denied. We are extremely disappointed – quite frankly, stunned – in this outcome, and feel strongly that very compelling facts support clearance for immediate eligibility. We are at a loss as to how this decision aligns with a mission of prioritizing the well-being of student-athletes, and we are struggling to provide an explanation to a deserving young man who stands to lose a year of eligibility. We will stand by Uroš and support him in every way possible as we exhaust all options in advocating for his competitive opportunity.”

Plavsic will now have to sit out the 2019-20 season before being eligible next year to play.

This hurts Tennessee’s post depth, which was already thin after losing Kyle Alexander and Grant Williams from last year’s squad.