Mankato, Minn. ---  The National Collegiate Athletic Association has ruled that Assem Marei (AWE-some MAR-ee) has three seasons of eligibility remaining and will enter the 2012-13 school year as a sophomore on the Minnesota State men's basketball roster.

Marei, who is eligible to play immediately, has elected to sit out the remaining seven regular season games this year in order to maximize his participating opportunities for his three seasons.

"I am very excited to add Assem to our Maverick family," said head coach Matt Margenthaler. "Assem is not only a quality player, but more important is a quality young man. He has the chance to be the cornerstone of our program for the next three seasons. He just makes his teammates better, and brings a wealth of experience to our program. With the young talent we have now, adding Assem makes our future look good."

Marei, a 6-9, 240-pound center, is a native of Cairo, Egypt and most recently played with his club team, Zamalek.  Last year at the World 19-under championships, Maeri averaged 18.5 points per game while shooting 52.4 percent from the floor.  Additionally, he averaged 12.3 rebounds per game during the event, 5.3 of which were on the offensive end of the court in eight games.

During Egypt's seven games in the Pan Arab games, Maeri averaged 10.9 points per game while shooting 68.9 percent from the floor and gathering 5.9 rebounds.

Minnesota State (7-12, 6-9 NSIC) hosts Augustana this evening at 8 p.m.