UCLA's Wanaah Bail has eligibility waiver granted by NCAA for basketball season

UCLA freshman class from left to right, guard Zach LaVine, forward Noah Allen, forward Wanaah Bail, guard Isaac Hamilton and guard Bryce Alford as they pose for a photo during the NCAA college basketball team's media day, Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo) (The Associated Press)

Forward Wanaah Bail has been granted full eligibility by the NCAA to play the upcoming basketball season for UCLA after the freshman's waiver was approved.

Bail is recovering from left knee surgery and hasn't been cleared to return to practice. He had surgery to repair torn cartilage on June 28 and was originally projected to miss four months.

New Bruins coach Steve Alford says he's grateful that Bail's waiver was granted.

The 6-foot-9 forward from Houston averaged 18.5 points and 12.0 rebounds as a high school senior. He graduated in 2012.

UCLA opens the season on Nov. 8 at home against Drexel.