Tyon Grant-Foster Secures Injunction, Cleared to Play for Gonzaga

UPDATE: Gonzaga forward Tyon Grant-Foster has been granted a preliminary injunction by a Spokane County judge, allowing him to play for the Bulldogs during the upcoming 2023-24 NCAA basketball season. This urgent decision comes after the NCAA denied his appeal for an eligibility waiver earlier this month.

The ruling is a significant breakthrough for Grant-Foster, who has faced a tumultuous journey in his basketball career. Originally part of the high school class of 2018, he played two seasons at Indian Hills Community College before transferring to Kansas. His time with the Jayhawks included 22 games in the 2020-21 season, followed by a transfer to DePaul.

The road has not been easy for Grant-Foster. During halftime of DePaul’s first game of the 2021-22 season, he collapsed in the locker room and required multiple heart surgeries, causing him to miss 16 months of play. His inspiring comeback at Grand Canyon University saw him become the WAC Player of the Year, averaging 20.1 points and 6.1 rebounds, while leading the Lopes to their first NCAA tournament win over Saint Mary’s.

The NCAA’s interpretation of Grant-Foster’s eligibility has been contentious, considering his time at both Indian Hills and Grand Canyon as consuming his four years of eligibility. However, Grant-Foster’s legal team argued that a blanket waiver issued to junior college transfers last December should grant him an additional year.

This latest ruling has substantial implications for Gonzaga as the season approaches. Grant-Foster is anticipated to be a key player, potentially starting alongside Graham Ike and Braden Huff, both recognized as preseason All-WCC first-teamers.

Following Judge Marla Polin‘s decision, Grant-Foster went directly to the court for Gonzaga’s exhibition game against Western Oregon, which tipped off less than an hour after the ruling.

The stakes are high as No. 21 Gonzaga prepares to open the regular season on November 3 against Texas Southern. This development not only impacts Grant-Foster’s career but also adds excitement for Gonzaga fans eager to see how this talented forward will contribute to the team’s success this season.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds.