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Wiggins' Legal Play Fails: Gonzaga Star Remains Ineligible
30 Oct
Summary
- Chauncey Wiggins' lawsuit attempt in Texas was denied by a judge.
- Wiggins remains Gonzaga's only ineligible player as the season nears.
- Wiggins' absence significantly impacts Gonzaga's struggling three-point game.
Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Chauncey Wiggins' legal battle for eligibility has encountered another obstacle. Wiggins withdrew from his current lawsuit to pursue eligibility through a case in Waco, Texas, which would have granted him clearance until mid-December. However, Texas Judge Ryan Luna denied the temporary restraining order for Wiggins and other players attempting to join the suit, including RJ Godfrey and Lamar Washington. This ruling leaves Wiggins as Gonzaga's only ineligible player heading into the highly anticipated season opener against Purdue.
Wiggins' situation is nearly identical to teammates Xaivian Lee and Javon Bennett, who are currently eligible. While Wiggins previously had a temporary restraining order in Georgia, it was stayed by the Georgia Court of Appeals, rendering him ineligible. A similar process in Ohio for Bennett was eventually reversed by the Ohio Supreme Court. With the Georgia court's oral arguments not scheduled until January 12, players opted to seek alternative legal avenues.
Wiggins, a 6'10" forward who transferred from Florida State, averaged 13.3 points and shot 38.7% from three last season. His 73 made threes would have led Gonzaga, a critical loss for a team that struggled with long-range shooting last year. The Bulldogs shot a combined 21.4% from three in recent exhibition games. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Wiggins is expected to miss Monday's game, though he may pursue further legal action, potentially in Washington state, to gain eligibility this season.
