Judge Clears Gonzaga Forward Chauncey Wiggins to Play

The ruling came after Wiggins’ eligibility dispute moved through court cases in Georgia and Texas. A judge in Georgia had initially granted relief to athletes seeking a fifth season under the NCAA’s eligibility model, but an appeals court paused that case. A Texas judge later rejected Wiggins’ request, finding that he lacked personal jurisdiction in the lawsuit there.

Wiggins’ attorneys argued in Spokane that the NCAA’s rules do not explicitly exclude athletes who graduated from high school in 2022. The NCAA argued that allowing some players a fifth season would create an unfair advantage for their teams and undermine consistent standards.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Dean Chuang issued the temporary injunction. He also barred the NCAA from applying its restitution rule, which means Gonzaga cannot be stripped retroactively of wins or postseason awards because Wiggins played while the case proceeds. The court’s schedule puts a trial no earlier than May 10, 2027, after Gonzaga’s season is expected to end.

Wiggins missed Gonzaga’s season-opening victories over Purdue and New Mexico State while he was ineligible. The forward, who transferred to Gonzaga after playing at Clemson and Florida State, averaged 13.3 points and 3.9 rebounds at Clemson, shooting 38.7% from three-point range. He said he expects to play Saturday against LSU, with tipoff set for 12:30 p.m. Pacific on USA Network.