May 19--Illinois forward Mike Thorne Jr., earned a sixth season of eligibility from the NCAA when his medical hardship waiver was granted by the NCAA on Wednesday.
Thorne, who transferred to Illinois from Charlotte, played in only eight games last season, his first with the Illini. He averaged 12.9 points and 8.5 rebounds before suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee that set him back.
"We are thrilled for Mike," Illinois coach John Groce said in a statement released by the team. "He endured a lot of adversity last season, suffering the knee injury after a great start and then having lingering complications that prevented him from being able to return to the court. Now he will get that chance to come back for a sixth year and finish his college career in the way we all envision. The NCAA deserves a ton of credit in this situation, as they have made a decision that is without question in the best interest of the student-athlete."
