BREAKING: Gonzaga forward Tyon Grant-Foster has just been granted a preliminary injunction by a Spokane County judge, allowing him to participate in the upcoming NCAA season for the Bulldogs. This urgent ruling comes after the NCAA denied his eligibility waiver appeal earlier this month.
The decision is crucial for Gonzaga, as Grant-Foster is a strong candidate to start alongside Graham Ike and Braden Huff, both preseason All-WCC first-teamers. Just moments after the ruling from Judge Marla Polin, Grant-Foster rushed to Gonzaga’s exhibition game against Western Oregon, which began less than an hour later.
Grant-Foster’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Originally part of the high school class of 2018, he played two seasons at Indian Hills Community College before transferring to Kansas. During his time with the Jayhawks in the 2020-21 season, he appeared in 22 games before moving to DePaul.
A life-threatening medical incident struck in the 2021-22 season when Grant-Foster collapsed in the locker room at halftime of DePaul’s first game. He underwent multiple heart surgeries, sidelining him for over 16 months. His triumphant return came at Grand Canyon University, where he earned WAC Player of the Year honors in the 2023-24 season, averaging 20.1 points and 6.1 rebounds. He played a pivotal role in leading his team to their first NCAA tournament victory against Saint Mary’s.
The NCAA had previously counted Grant-Foster’s years at Indian Hills and Grand Canyon as part of his four years of eligibility. However, his legal team argued that a blanket waiver granted to junior college transfers last December should provide him with an additional year.
This pivotal development not only enhances the Bulldogs’ roster but also marks a significant moment in Grant-Foster’s remarkable comeback story. Gonzaga will kick off their regular season on November 3, 2023, against Texas Southern, and all eyes will be on Grant-Foster to see how he integrates into the team.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Grant-Foster makes his return to the court, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.