The University of Massachusetts men's basketball team could benefit again from the Southeastern Conference's rules against taking nonqualifiers.

This time it's former Minuteman Tony Barbee who lost the player. Luke Cothron, a 6-foot-8 forward from Huntsville, Ala, originally committed to play for Barbee at Auburn, but didn't reach the NCAA's minimum eligibility standards.

UMass sources confirmed that Cothron, who attended Flora McDonald Academy in North Carolina, is hoping to enroll at UMass this year, but hasn't yet been admitted by the school.

Cothron, who is ranked by ESPN and Scout.com as the No. 13-ranked power forward in the class of 2010, would be the Minutemen's second late addition this season, joining Florida big man Cady Lalanne. Rivals.com has Cothron as the No. 11 power forward.

Rivals.com's Jerry Meyer compared Cothron's game to a long-ago college star.

"From the haircut to his physical frame to his skill package, Cothron strongly resembles former Louisville star Pervis Ellison. A long, fluid athlete, Cothron can both beat his man down the court as well as chase down rebounds," Meyer said in his online evaluation. "And when he gets the ball in his hands, he knows what to do with it. Cothron is a skilled low post scorer with a variety of moves and has a dangerous face up game as well. Gaining strength and becoming more explosive in traffic will be important in Cothron's development as a college player."

Cothron considered Alabama and Marquette before choosing Auburn.

If Cothron is accepted at UMass, he would not be allowed to accept a scholarship or participate in games or practices as a freshman. He'd be eligible to play in the 2011-12 season and could regain his lost year of eligibility if he attains a minimum number of credits at the end of his fourth year in college. Because he signed a letter of intent to play at Auburn, he wouldn't be allowed to sign another. Cothron can't officially join the program until he enrolls in classes.

Cothron would add to a deep class that will begin play in the 2011-12 season. He'd join Lalanne, New Hampshire combo guard Jordan Laguerre, who'll be a true freshman, and Hofstra transfer point guard Chaz Williams.

MEN'S SOCCER TIES - Bryant Craft scored the tying goal early in the second half as the University of Massachusetts men's soccer team earned an overtime draw on the road with Boston University, Wednesday in Boston. The Minutemen fell behind 1-0 early when Michael Bustamante beat UMass goalie Chris Piekos (six saves) seven minutes into the game.

But the Minutemen (0-1-1) were able to tie the score and neither team connected in overtime. UMass returns to action, Monday when it hosts Harvard at 3 p.m. at Rudd Field.

Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Follow UMass coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/GazetteUMass. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at http://www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage.