NCAA denies eligibility waiver for Louisville's Aly Khalifa

Louisville center Aly Khalifa redshirted last season after transferring into the program from BYU. He spent two seasons at Charlotte before that.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, the NCAA denied Khalifa’s eligibility waiver for the upcoming season. Now, Louisville is appealing the NCAA’s decision.

“University of Louisville men’s basketball student-athlete Aly Khalifa’s request for an extension of his five-year clock that would allow him to utilize his fourth and final season of eligibility was denied by the NCAA,” the school wrote in a statement. “The University of Louisville is appealing that decision and believes that Aly has a strong case that warrants an additional year. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Aly continues to work towards a master’s degree at the University while preparing for the 2025-26 basketball season.”

Khalifa has retained attorney Darren Heitner in his effort to regain eligibility, per Jon Rothstein. In the 2023-24 season at BYU, he made 29 appearances and 26 starts. The 6-foot-11 big man averaged 5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, while shooting 38.6% from the field and 31.5% from beyond the arc.

In two years at Charlotte, Khalifa played in 65 games, starting in all but one of his appearances. In his sophomore season with the 49ers, Khalifa averaged a career-high 11.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per outing.

He also had a standout freshman campaign, in which he won the 2022 Conference USA Freshman of the Year Award. Khalifa played prep basketball at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia, where he was an unranked prospect in the 2020 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

“I can reach my potential and be the best version of myself with the amazing coaching staff and teammates,” Khalifa said about his decision to join Louisville. “I can help our team win a championship and I’m able to play in front of one of the best fan bases in the country.”

Although he wasn’t playing this past year, Khalifa wasn’t resting, either. Louisville strength coach Eli Foy revealed in a post that Khalifa had lost 49 pounds from the time he’d joined the program. In the best shape of his career, Khalifa could be a significant contributor next season for Louisville if the NCAA allows him to play.

Louisville posted a 27-8 overall record last season, its first under head coach Pat Kelsey. With one of the best incoming transfer classes in the country this offseason, the Cardinals will look to soar to new heights in the 2025-26 campaign.