BREAKING: Gonzaga forward Tyon Grant-Foster has just been granted a preliminary injunction by a Spokane County judge, allowing him to play for the Bulldogs this season. This urgent development comes after the NCAA denied his eligibility waiver earlier this month, presenting a significant boost for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The ruling, issued by Judge Marla Polin, comes at a critical time, with Gonzaga set to start their regular season on November 3 against Texas Southern. Grant-Foster rushed from the courthouse directly to Gonzaga’s exhibition game against Western Oregon, which tipped off less than an hour after the ruling, highlighting the immediate impact of this decision.
Grant-Foster’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Originally part of the high school class of 2018, he played two seasons at Indian Hills Community College before transferring to Kansas, where he participated in 22 games during the 2020-21 season. His path took a tragic turn when he collapsed in the locker room during DePaul’s first game of the 2021-22 season, leading to multiple heart surgeries that sidelined him for 16 months.
After a remarkable recovery, he returned to basketball at Grand Canyon, where he shone as the WAC Player of the Year, averaging 20.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in the 2023-24 season. Grant-Foster played a pivotal role in leading Grand Canyon to its first NCAA tournament victory over Saint Mary’s, further solidifying his reputation as a key player.
The NCAA’s decision to count Grant-Foster’s time at Indian Hills and Grand Canyon as his four years of eligibility led to the complicated legal battle. His legal team argued that a blanket waiver provided to junior college transfers last December should grant him an additional year of eligibility. The judge’s ruling is a significant victory for Grant-Foster, who is now poised to start alongside Gonzaga’s preseason All-WCC first-teamers Graham Ike and Braden Huff.
This development not only affects Gonzaga’s roster but also has implications for the team’s performance in the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Grant-Foster’s return will influence the Bulldogs’ strategy as they aim for success on the court.
Stay tuned for more updates as Gonzaga prepares for their season opener, with Grant-Foster’s presence expected to make a notable difference in their pursuit of victory.
