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Syracuse's James Southerland sits on the bench prior to a recent game.

(Photo by . Dennis Nett|syracuse.com)

The hearing panel that will hear Syracuse University basketball player James Southerland's appeal to have his eligibility restored will meet today at 1 p.m., according to a source familiar with the proceeding.

Southerland, a 6-foot-8 senior, has missed Syracuse's last six games after being declared ineligible prior to the Orange's game against Villanova on Jan. 12.

Southerland is hoping to regain his eligibility with today's appeals hearing.

Here is a recent story on the hearing panel



While Southerland's appeal will be heard today, it's unknown how long the hearing panel will take before delivering its decision. According to a source familiar with how the process has worked in prior cases, it could be a couple of hours or less; and it could take a day or two.

Syracuse's next game is against St. John's on Sunday at the Carrier Dome.