RALEIGH, N.C. -- Omer Yurtsevens wait to play for North Carolina State is finally over.The NCAA required the Turkish 7-footer and five-star freshman to sit the Wolfpacks first nine games after examining his amateur status following an overseas career. But the 18-year-old is set to play Thursday against Appalachian State, a big addition for a young team still taking shape.Im looking forward to playing, just stepping out on the court for real, Yurtseven said. Its not seen as a big game, but its a big game for me.Yurtsevens arrival, along with that of touted freshman point guard Dennis Smith Jr., created a buzz for a team picked to finish in the upper half of the Atlantic Coast Conference. But while Smith has started every game as a potential one-and-done NBA talent, Yurtseven -- also mentioned as a one-and-done possibility -- has been limited to playing in two exhibition games, working through practices and watching from the bench during regular-season games for the Wolfpack (7-2).Sitting on the bench, like, how can I say it: its like you always smell the food but you never get to eat it, Yurtseven said.Coach Mark Gottfried wouldnt commit to a specific role or minutes for the Istanbul, Turkey native Thursday.It wouldve been great for him to only sit out a couple of games ... but it is what it is, Gottfried said. I keep telling myself and my staff: Ive got to be patient too because I kind of want him to be a finished product on Day One. And thats not going to happen. Its going to take a little bit of time.The school announced the NCAA ruling Oct. 31. It required Yurtseven to sit the first 30 percent of the regular season and pay $1,000 to a charity of his choice before becoming eligible to play.Yurtseven had played the past three years for the Fenerbahce club team in Turkey, the same team as another prominent international prospect: Kentucky recruit Enes Kanter. Kanter was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA in 2010 for receiving more than $33,000 in improper benefits, never played for the Wildcats and now plays for the NBAs Oklahoma City Thunder.NCAA rules enacted in 2013 permit college prospects playing overseas to receive compensation for actual and necessary expenses tied to games and practices, such as lodging, equipment, travel, meals and medical treatment.Don Jackson, Yurtsevens Alabama-based attorney who has worked on numerous college eligibility cases, said Yurtseven didnt sign a professional contract nor with an agent as he made every effort not to professionalize himself. Jackson also criticized the way the NCAA measures allowable expenses during its case reviews, saying the process doesnt fairly evaluate higher cost-of-living demands in pricier regions.As you can probably tell, Im not happy with the outcome, Jackson said. Im happy that hell be on the floor this week. Im happy that this part, that hes moved on from that. . But the reality of his matter is he should not have missed one game. There was no justification for him missing any time whatsoever.NCAA spokeswoman Emily James declined to comment on Yurtsevens case Wednesday.Yurtseven is a skilled big man who had a 91-point, 28-rebound performance in a Turkish Under-18 game in the spring. But it was clear hed need time to adjust to college basketball when he fouled out in 11 minutes during an exhibition game against Division II Barton.I think the most important thing is to get him to feel comfortable, to play, Gottfried said. Hes learning American basketball. . Its not going to happen overnight, but Im certainly going to play him and get him in and see if we can get him comfortable pretty quick.---Follow Aaron Beard on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/aaronbeardap---More AP college basketball at http://collegebasketball.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-Top25 Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Authentic . -- Eastern Kentucky thrives off creating havoc for others. Nike NFL Jerseys China . And when it opened, every player was at his stall. Thats a sure sign that a team is in a slump and is searching for answers. "Its embarrassing to be at home and play the way we did," said defenceman Josh Gorges. http://www.wholesalenikenfljerseyschina.com/ . Thats about all he can do right now, so hes trying not to think about when he might be able to play again for the Los Angeles Lakers. Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys . After Mondays hard-fought loss, the wait seemed longer than usual. Getting set to go their separate ways for a short Christmas break, the Raptors coach credited his team for their effort on a seemingly impossible three-game road trip, urging them to build on that success when they get back to work at the end of the week. Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys . - Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings was speaking to a group of local high school students earlier this week when the conversation turned to the importance of being prepared when opportunities in life arise. BOSTON -- Boston Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas is back in the starting lineup for Fridays tilt with the Charlotte Hornets after missing four games due to a groin strain.While the Celtics get Thomas back, the Hornets will be without their star guard, as Kemba Walker has been excused to attend to a personal matter. Charlotte coach Steve Clifford said Walker will rejoin the team for Saturdays game against the Atlanta Hawks.The Celtics went 1-3 in Thomas absence, and his late-game scoring was notably missing as Boston fell to quality opponents in the Raptors, Thunder and Spurs.[Thomas] went through [shootaround] and felt pretty good, said Celtics coach Brad Stevens. They told me nothing more today, and nothing about minutes restrictions.The Celtics have dipped to 13-12 overall and slid a bit in a crowded Eastern Conference. Stevens refused to use injuries as an excuse for Bostons inconsistent play.dddddddddddd.We had a lot of tough challenges, especially at the start of the season, ahead of us, said Stevens. There are things you cant predict going into a new year with regard to availability, but I said at the beginning of the year, were as close to second or third as we are to 10th. We still are.The Hornets (14-12) are one of the team ahead of Boston in the East.Whether [Walker] plays or not, hes obviously had a great year and hes a great individual player, said Stevens. This is a tough team -- really well coached, disciplined, they dont turn the ball over, and Steve Clifford does a terrific job. Regardless of if Kemba is playing or not, we have our hands full. ' ' '