Swedish basketball recruit Zahui B. not certified to compete in fall

Amanda Zahui B., the 6-foot-5-inch center from Sweden who signed with the Gophers in May, will not join the team in the fall, as she has not been certified by the NCAA.

A member of the Swedish national team for the last six years, Zahui B. was likely the top contender to start at center for Minnesota in 2012-13.

“This is a very unfortunate situation for Amanda, because we know how much she wanted to start training in August,” head coach Pam Borton said in a release. “We will stand by her and support her as she continues to work with the NCAA Eligibility Center in achieving her goal.”

A highly touted international recruit, Zahui B. averaged 15.4 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks with her Swedish club team last season.

“She is a great rebounder and scorer around the rim, and that is something that we need in our program,” Borton said in May in a release. “She is a presence in the paint, and we are looking for Amanda to be a [dominant] force and make an immediate impact.”