Ex-Maccabi Tel Aviv Center Marcius Santos Denied College Play Eligibility

Brazilian center Marcius Santos will not play for Louisiana State University (LSU) this upcoming season after failing to receive league approval. Santos had left his contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv to join the college program, but the league's administration denied his request. LSU coach Will Wade stated at a press conference on Wednesday that Santos is not in his plans and directed questions about the decision's timing to the league administration.

Santos had two years remaining on his contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv. However, sources within the club indicated that even if he were cleared to play in college, he would not rejoin the team. "It's not a children's game where you can make certain decisions and then backtrack as if nothing happened," a source commented.

Reports suggested Santos was set to earn approximately $2 million per season at LSU. He was intended to be a backup to French center Brice Dessert, who, unlike Santos, did receive clearance to play collegiately. Israeli center Gilad Levi will take Santos's spot on the LSU roster. Levi previously had a brief stint in Spain's second division and is aiming for a breakthrough in the NCAA.