Connecticut junior forward Alex Oriakhi was granted his release from the program on Tuesday.

Last week, Oriakhi’s father told the Hearst Connecticut Media Group that his son wished to transfer from the school because he wanted to have a chance to play for the NCAA Tournament title.

The Huskies are appealing an NCAA decision that will keep them from playing in the 2013 Tournament because of academic issues.

The NCAA grants waivers for athletes to transfer if their previous school is ineligible for the tournament. Should UConn win its appeal, Oriakhi would then have to sit out a season before using his final year of eligibility.

Oriakhi averaged 6.7 points and 4.8 rebounds this season.