By DAVE SKRETTA
AP Sports Writer

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) – Touted freshman Cheick Diallo has been cleared to begin practicing with Kansas this week. The forward is still awaiting word from the NCAA on whether he can play this season.

The five-star prospect from Mali attended Our Savior New American, a private high school in Centereach, New York. But the legitimacy of the school’s classes has come under scrutiny by the NCAA, and Alabama and Oklahoma State have had recruits from there ruled ineligible.

Jayhawks coach Bill Self said Thursday on the eve of practice that he is confident Diallo will be cleared. But he also said there is also no timetable for a decision.

Kansas plays its exhibition opener against Pittsburg State on Nov. 4.