TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona basketball will open the season with added depth.
Kentucky transfer Jemarl Baker has received a waiver to play immediately for Arizona this season, the school announced on Thursday.
"We are excited to have Jemarl Baker eligible to play this season," the school tweeted. "We would like to thank the NCAA for their consideration of Jemarl's unique situation, and we appreciate the University of Kentucky's support throughout this process."
We are excited to have Jemarl Baker eligible to play this season. We would like to thank the NCAA for their consideration of Jemarl’s unique situation, and we appreciate the University of Kentucky’s support throughout this process. #BearDown
— Arizona Basketball (@APlayersProgram) October 31, 2019
Baker, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard from California, committed to Arizona in May after entering the transfer portal in April.
He had an injury-riddled two seasons at Kentucky, redshirting his freshman season after undergoing knee surgery, then missed the first nine games of the 2018-19 season while recovering.
Baker ended up playing just over nine minutes per game during the final 28 games of the season, averaging 2.3 points and providing perimeter depth.
Arizona opens up Friday night with an exhibition game against Chico State.