After a process that seemed to take entirely long, the NCAA has cleared Louisville freshman Shaqquan Aaron to play this season, beginning on Dec. 20.

Here's the official statement from U of L:

University of Louisville freshman guard Shaqquan Aaron can make his debut with the Cardinals' men's basketball team on Dec. 20 when U of L plays at Western Kentucky.

During Aaron's NCAA amateurism certification for initial eligibility, it was determined that his family received extra benefits related to housing. He must sit out the first nine games -- 30 percent of the season -- and will have repayment and community service hours to fulfill his reinstatement.

A 6-7 freshman from Seattle, Wash., Aaron has missed the Cardinals' first seven games and will remain on the bench for UofL's game against Indiana in the Jimmy V Classic tonight and for Sunday's home game against UNC Wilmington. He has continued to practice with the team while awaiting completion of the NCAA process.

A two-time first-team AP Class 3A all-state selection and the Washington state player of the year as a senior, Aaron averaged 19.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists last season in leading Rainier Beach High School to the Washington Class 3A state championship.

Good news, but this still feels like an unfair punishment for a kid who had nothing to do with a situation that occurred when he was a freshman in high school. Regardless, I think I speak for everyone when I say that I can't wait to see Shaqquan on the court in 11 days.