The NCAA has denied a waiver request for Tennessee forward Uros Plavsic, which will force him to sit out the 2019-20 season for the Volunteers.

The 7-0 freshman, who redshirted last season at Arizona State, was expected to play a key role in the frontcourt for Rick Barnes and company this season.

Tennessee athletic director Phillip Fulmer released a statement regarding the NCAA's ruling on Plavsic, courtesy of the team's official website:

“Uros Plavsic was denied clearance to compete with our men's basketball program this season, and our appeal of that decision also was denied. We are extremely disappointed – quite frankly, stunned – in this outcome, and feel strongly that very compelling facts support clearance for immediate eligibility. We are at a loss as to how this decision aligns with a mission of prioritizing the well-being of student-athletes, and we are struggling to provide an explanation to a deserving young man who stands to lose a year of eligibility. We will stand by Uroš and support him in every way possible as we exhaust all options in advocating for his competitive opportunity.”

Barnes must replace several key players from a season ago, and Plavsic certainly would've been an option given his size and skill set.

The Vols will tip off the new season on Nov. 5 against UNC Asheville.

Blake Lovell is a national college basketball writer for ClutchPoints. He’s also a contributor for the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook and Athlon Sports College Basketball Preview magazine. He hosts two podcasts: Marching to Madness (CBB) and Establish the Pass (NFL). 

You can follow him on Twitter @theblakelovell. Also, be sure to follow the ClutchPoints NCAA Facebook page for more great CBB discussion.