Scott Ferrell

sferrell@gannett.com

Northwestern State’s most important offseason addition is a familiar one.

The NCAA granted guard Jalan West a medical hardship waiver on Monday for a sixth season with the Demons.

“Obviously, that’s a huge shot in the arm for us,’’ NSU coach Mike McConathy said.

West tore his ACL in the Demons' season opener at Ole Miss last year. He missed the rest of the 2015-16 season rehabbing an injured knee. Because of an NCAA Clearinghouse issue, he missed his freshman season, thus making 2015-16 season his last year of eligibility until receiving the medical hardship waiver.

West hurt as NSU falls in opener

The Demons felt his loss last season as they went 8-20 after posting a 19-13 record in the previous season.

West, a former Bossier High School star, led the nation in assists during the 2014-15 season at 7.7 per game. He is fifth in NSU history with 1,592 career points and first in assists with 614.

“With Jalan being back, we have a chance to reunite this group and put ourselves into a position to get back to the NCAA Tournament,’’ McConathy said

West has been working to get back for the 2016-17 season. McConathy said the rehab process is expected to take nine to 12 months, but he expects West to be ready for the season opener.

“I cried when (NSU coach Mike McConathy) told me,” said West, who said McConathy was crying too. “God works in mysterious ways, and I’m blessed that his plan was to allow me to come back and play here again.

“I wanted to leave the right way. Next year I will be able to help my teammates in spots they weren’t familiar with this year. I can help Zeek Woodley finish his career and have a complete senior night this year.”

West graduated last week and introduced Gov. John Bel Edwards as the commencement speaker.

“He graduated, introduced the governor and gets his sixth year,’’ McConathy said. “I’d say that’s a pretty good week.’’