Mundelein senior guard Ben Brust will be allowed to accept a scholarship from another Big Ten program despite originally signing a letter of intent with Iowa, a Big Ten group of faculty representatives ruled on Friday.
Brust, a 6-2 guard, originally signed with Iowa in November, but he recently asked for his release after the Hawkeyes fired coach Todd Lickliter and hired Fran McAffrey. Brust had hoped to include other Big Ten programs in his reopened search, but the Big Ten prohibits a student-athlete who signs a letter of intent with a Big Ten school to transfer and receive a scholarship from another conference school. Brust asked for a waiver earlier this month and was denied.
Big Ten spokesperson Scott Chipman confirmed the decision, but was unable to say which schools had brought the appeal to the group. According to Brust's AAU coach Mike Weinstein, Northwestern and Wisconsin had both told him they were planning to appeal an earlier decision against Brust.
"Ben and his family are very excited that Ben has the opportunity to pick where he wants to go to college," said Weinstein, who is helping Brust with his recruitment. "He's very happy that the Big Ten will support in him that. He's a kid who has always loved the Big Ten. He'll now pick a school that's best for him. He does have other schools other than the Big Ten that he is interested in."
Iowa, Minnesota, Northwestern and Wisconsin have all been recruiting Brust. He is expected to make upcoming visits to Northwestern and Wisconsin, according to Weinstein. He's also being recruited by Boston College, California, Clemson, Nebraska, Oregon, USC and Washington State.
Brust, an ESPNChicago.com All-Area Team selection, averaged 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals his senior season. He had five games of 40 or more points.
Brust will play in the 2nd Annual High School Academic All-American Classic in Azusa, Calif. on Saturday.
Scott Powers covers high school and college sports for ESPNChicago.com and can be reached at preps@espnchicago.com.