There are no half seasons of eligibility! Players elect to transfer midseason because it lets them play again the following season, albeit after December exams. Otherwise they would have to wait till November of the year after. Jamal has 3 years of eligibility left. If he wants he can sit out all next season and his 3 years will begin in November 2013, but he won't do that because he wants to play next season. So, he'll be on the court December 2012 and finish that season (which will count as his second season of college bball). I understand why you guys are saying "in effect" he has 2 1/2 years of eligibility left. But that may confuse other readers. If you suit up and play half a season for a team, that still counts as a full year of eligibility. The NCAA doesn't divide seasons into halves. Transfer requirements on the other hand do require you to sit out a full year, or two consecutive academic semesters.
I really can't believe this conversation has gone on as long as it has.