Buckled but not broken: Rakeem Buckles’ transfer waiver denied by NCAA

Former Florida International University and Louisville power forward Rakeem Buckles was denied a transfer waiver by the NCAA on Wednesday to play with the Gophers this upcoming season.

The Gophers plan to appeal the decision and believe the decision is far from being set in stone, according to 1500 ESPN.

Buckles last played in the 2011-12 season where he appeared in 11 games for Louisville. He has undergone two major knee surgeries in recent years in addition to a broken finger.

If healthy and if the NCAA’s decision is overturned, Buckles could be a major contributor for Minnesota in the front-court.

Buckles is the second FIU player to seek a transfer to Minnesota. Shooting guard Malik Smith successfully transferred to the Gophers earlier this summer.

Joey King, formerly of Drake University, also successfully transferred to Minnesota this summer. Both King and Smith are currently practicing with the team.

Follow Gold and Gopher on Twitter | Follow Frank Bi on Twitter