Christmas came early for Louisiana Tech head coach Talvin Hester Tuesday.
Hester and the Bulldogs received the news following practice from Director of Athletics Eric Wood that 6-foot-11-inch transfer center Daniel Batcho had been cleared to play immediately for Louisiana Tech.
“We are very thankful to the NCAA for approving Daniel Batcho’s waiver for immediate eligibility,” said Hester in a quote graphic released on the men’s basketball social media accounts. “We look forward to having him compete for the Bulldogs this season.”
The Athletic Department had to submit the waiver as Batcho’s move to Louisiana Tech was the second of his collegiate career. The Paris, France, native began his playing days at Arizona in 2020-21 where he sat out due to a knee injury.
Following that season, Batcho headed to Lubbock, Texas, where he spent the next two seasons with the Red Raiders. However, following the forced resignation of Mark Adams due to racially insensitive remarks last year, Batcho signed with the Bulldogs.
However, in order to be eligible to play this year, the NCAA had to approve a waiver (players are immediately eligible to play following their first transfer, but must sit out a year after their second one).
Batcho averaged 7.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots last season while recording three double doubles.
He will suit up and play Thursday night at ULM.
The Bulldogs are 1-1 after Monday night’s 100-43 win over Lyon College.
