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-Top25Houston Astros Store .5 seconds to play in the game, Kevin Love never stopped believing that they would come out of there with a win. Houston Astros Pro Shop . Perez, 35, posted a 1-2 record with a 3.69 earned-run average in 19 relief appearances last season. His season ended Aug. 9 due to a torn ligament in his left elbow. Perez joins infielder Andy LaRoche and catcher Mike Nickeas with minor-league agreements for 2014 that include invitations to attend spring training. https://www.cheapastros.com/ . Rousey will put her perfect 8-0 record and hardware on the line against another undefeated fighter, 7-0 Sara McMann in the main event of UFC 170, which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas Nevada on February 22nd. Stitched Astros Jerseys . The Nashville Predators were glad their captain was still on their side. Weber had a goal and two assists, and Roman Josi scored the shootout winner to lift the Predators to a 4-3 win over the Flyers on Thursday night. Houston Astros Shirts .com) - The game was all punts and field goals before Kodi Whitfields catch. FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons veteran defensive end Dwight Freeney firmly believes teammate Vic Beasley Jr. deserves strong consideration for Defensive Player of the Year.Beasley, named the NFCs Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, is tied with Super Bowl MVP Von Miller for the league lead in sacks with 13.5. Beasley also leads the league with six forced fumbles, including one he returned for a touchdown in last weeks 42-14 win over the Los Angeles Rams.Just because of his game-changing abilities and the things that hes done, the seven-time Pro Bowler Freeney said of Beasleys credentials. With sacks, I understand thats a big deal. To have him tied with a guy like Von Miller, its a big deal. And I think guys should be rewarded for the good years that they have.As of right now, this defense and our team is doing probably a little better than the Broncos at this point. I think that speaks volumes to some of the playmaking ability that Vics done this year. And I think it would bee great to see his name be mentioned.ddddddddddddMiller is certain to earn consideration coming off the Super Bowl. Other logical candidates include Oakland Raiders defensive end/linebacker?Khalil Mack,?New York Giants safety Landon Collins, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner.Nothing against Von -- I think Vons a great talent and great player as well, Freeney said, but I think Vic is having a special year, so having a special year should be rewarded.Beasley appreciated the high praise from Freeney.That means a lot, coming from a guy like Dwight, Beasley said. He knows what it takes, the qualities and the statistics that are required. Its a blessing to hear that from him.Houstons J.J. Watt, who is on injured reserve with a back injury, has won the AP Defensive Player of the Year honor the past two seasons. ' ' '