SPOKANE, Wash. – As the college basketball season approaches in 35 days, fans of Gonzaga University are awaiting the outcome of a crucial court hearing scheduled for Tuesday in California. More than 60 college basketball players, including Gonzaga transfer guard Xaivian Lee, are petitioning a Santa Clara County judge for a ruling that would enable them to participate in the upcoming season.
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The players are suing the NCAA over its five-year eligibility model, which stipulates that athletes have five years to utilize five seasons of eligibility without providing exceptions for the high school class of 2022. This rule is facing challenges in both state and federal courts.
Xaivian Lee began his college career at Princeton during the 2022-2023 season, played three seasons there, and subsequently transferred to Florida. Although he went undrafted in the NBA Draft, he participated in the NBA Summer League with the Cleveland Cavaliers before opting to return to college and commit to Gonzaga.
A prior temporary restraining order from a Santa Clara County judge has allowed these players to transfer and join their respective teams. The upcoming hearing will determine whether this order will remain or if the judge will rule in favor of the NCAA. Lee is among several players on Gonzaga's roster whose eligibility remains uncertain as the season nears.
The hearing is set for 3 PM on Tuesday. Gonzaga fans will get their first glimpse of the team during the annual Kraziness in the Kennel event on Saturday.