Purdue could be getting back one of its largest contributors in time for the Sweet 16 — pun fully intended.
The NCAA announced Friday that it has amended a rule interpretation that permits certain forms of protection on cover guards, braces or casts on the wrist, forearm and elbow. As a result, Purdue's 7-2 center, Isaac Haas — who fractured his elbow in the first round — could be allowed to play Friday against Texas Tech.
The amendment was made due to the efforts of NCAA Senior Vice President of basketball Dan Gavitt, Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski, NCAA basketball secretary-rules editor Art Hyland and the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS).
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Rule 1-26.2 prevents players from wearing "Elbow, hand, finger, wrist or forearm guards, casts or braces made of fiberglass, plaster, metal or any other non-pliable substance," but Rule 1-26.4 adds that "Pliable (flexible or easily bent) material covered on all exterior sides and edges with not less than 1⁄2-inch thickness of slow-rebounding foam, may be used to immobilize and protect an injury.”
The new interpretation means that padding on braces have been determined to be safe for players. The CSMAS emphasized that officials have to check on the brace throughout the game for exposed sharp edges, and that the Purdue medical staff has to medically clear Haas with the brace on.
The decision on whether Haas will play now falls on Purdue coach Matt Painter, team medical staff, game officials and Haas himself. When Haas first received a brace that Purdue mechanical engineering graduate students made, he said he was "95 percent sure" the NCAA would approve it and that he possibly would play Friday.
Painter hasn't been as keen. In a text to NCAA.com he said “nothing would change [on Haas’ playing status] unless he shows me something different at shoot around [Friday].’’
The fracture on Haas' elbow is significant and the main concern for the team is range of motion and comfort level, according to Bobinski.
Haas has not played since fracturing the elbow against Cal State-Fullerton on March 16. He was seen running up and down the court during open practice on Thursday, but hasn't participated in a formal practice.
The senior is averaging 14.7 points and 5.7 rebounds for the Boilermakers this season.