SPOKANE, Wash – With the first game of the college basketball season just 35 days away, Gonzaga fans will be closely watching the outcome of a court hearing in California Tuesday.
More than 60 college basketball players, including Gonzaga transfer guard Xaivian Lee, are asking a Santa Clara County judge to make a ruling that will allow them to play this year.
They’re suing the NCAA regarding the five-year eligibility model.
The NCAA made the rule that players have five years to use five seasons of eligibility, but did not grandfather in the high school class of 2022.
It’s being challenged in state and federal courts.
Xaivian Lee started his college career at Princeton in the 2022-2023 season. He played three seasons there, then transferred to Florida.
He went undrafted in the NBA Draft, but participated in the NBA Summer League with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He then decided to return to college and committed to Gonzaga.
A Santa Clara County judge previously granted a temporary restraining order, allowing the players to transfer and join the rosters.
Tuesday’s hearing will decide if that will stick or if the judge will side with the NCAA.
Lee is one of several players listed on this year’s Gonzaga men’s basketball roster whose eligibility is currently up in the air with the season fast approaching.
The hearing is at 3 pm Tuesday.
Gonzaga fans will be anxious to see how the roster shakes out and will get their first look Saturday with the Zags annual Kraziness in the Kennel.
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