Bol Bol cleared to play at Mater Dei

Video: Bol Bol highlights
See the new Mater Dei Monarch in action.

This should be interesting.

Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times was the first to report Thursday that Bol Bol, a 6-foot-11 junior forward regarded as an elite prospect, is eligible to play immediately at Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.).

Bol is pegged as the No. 14 overall prospect in the Class of 2018 by 247Sports. He helped lead Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission) to a state title in Kansas last season.

Mater Dei (20-1) is ranked No. 6 in this week's High School Top 25 with its lone loss coming to defending section, state and national champion Chino Hills.

According to Sondheimer, the CIF Southern Section cited a valid change of residence as the impetus for his immediate eligibility.

Mater Dei plays at Orange Lutheran in a Trinity League contest Friday night.

Should Bol integrate into an already-strong lineup successfully, the Monarchs could shake things up in the Southern Section. Four of the nation's top 15 teams this week will enter into the postseason there, including No. 2 Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth), No. 3 Chino Hills and No. 15 Bishop Montgomery (Torrance).

Bol is the son of the late Manute Bol, who played 11 years in the NBA and at 7-7 is one of the tallest basketball players ever.