Spokane, Wash. — In a surprising turn of events, the NCAA has denied Tyon Grant-Foster’s eligibility waiver for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Grant-Foster, a transfer from Grand Canyon University (GCU), announced his commitment to Gonzaga more than 125 days ago. Head coach Mark Few spoke on the matter for the first time following the Bulldogs’ impressive 111-62 exhibition win over Northwest University.
“It’s just been a really, really tough deal,” Few stated. He expressed his support for Grant-Foster, emphasizing the incredible journey the young athlete has taken. “I’ve been coaching college for 37 years, and I’ve seen a lot of these situations. But I’ve never seen one as unique as this. He literally died — his heart stopped not once but twice when he was on the floor.” Few highlighted how significant basketball is to Grant-Foster, asking, “How can you not feel for a kid who’s given so much?”
Grant-Foster’s basketball career has been riddled with challenges, including multiple heart surgeries that once threatened to end his playing days. Despite these setbacks, he achieved remarkable success last season, earning the WAC Player of the Year award and leading GCU to its first NCAA Tournament win. Few criticized the NCAA’s decision, noting the inconsistencies in previous waiver approvals. He said, “Ty’s filed a case, and we’ll hope that this turns out the right way,” as the basketball community waits for a hearing scheduled for October 23.
The situation surrounding Grant-Foster highlights the complexities of eligibility waivers in college basketball. Several prominent figures, including general managers from NBA teams, have shown their support by submitting statements in Grant-Foster’s favor ahead of the hearing. The NCAA’s decision has sparked discussions about fairness and the treatment of student-athletes like Grant-Foster, who are caught in the system despite extraordinary circumstances.
As the season approaches, the Gonzaga community remains hopeful that justice will prevail for their talented player. “The timing of it, we submitted a waiver way back in June, and he really doesn’t have any options here if this doesn’t come through,” Few added, underscoring the urgency of the situation. With Grant-Foster already navigating a complex path to eligibility, fans are eager to see how the NCAA responds in the coming weeks.
