So we should penalize Lucca twice for doing nothing wrong? I say let him at least play the exhibition games. It sends a message to the NCAA and it lets Lucca get some playing time. Besides, he just might give up and go back home if we don't show him some support.
Why doesn't the press get more involved? I think money has corrupted the entire system - this was once an amatuer sport involving teenage college kids - now it is an industry.
Lucca isn't going back to Germany without a degree. I'd be absolutely shocked if he left, even if the suspension stands.
At this point you do what is best for the team, and what is best for the team is simulating game situations. Adding a good player to their roster that won't be available during the regular season (or at least right away) is not the best way to prepare the team.
I realize Lucca has fun playing basketball, but so do the walk-ons. You don't take their feelings into consideration, and you don't take Lucca's feelings into consideration when you are trying to win games. You develope a scheme to win games, and you play it out. If it looks like Lucca won't be available, it does absolutely no good to the team to give him time in the exibition games.