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Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few received a significant boost on Thursday afternoon when a judge in Spokane County ruled that forward Chauncey Wiggins is eligible to compete. The decision clears the way for Wiggins to join the team immediately, and he is anticipated to make his season debut on Saturday versus LSU.
Wiggins, a 6'10 transfer from Clemson, was the only Gonzaga player still awaiting an eligibility ruling. After his previous lawsuit in Georgia was put on hold by the NCAA, he pursued his case in Spokane. The judge's ruling now resolves his status.
The forward is expected to be a key contributor for the Zags. He spent three years at Florida State before playing last season at Clemson, where he posted averages of 13.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 38.7% from three-point range on 5.8 attempts per contest. His combination of elite outside shooting and positional size addresses a depth concern on Gonzaga's wing, where the rotation has been thin behind starting sophomores Davis Fogle and Isiah Harwell.
Wiggins is projected to play a substantial role throughout the season and joins guards Xaivian Lee and Javon Bennett as eligible fifth-year seniors on the roster. Gonzaga is set to face LSU on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 12:30 PM PT at the Spokane Arena, with the game broadcast on USA Network.
Key Analysis
The addition of Wiggins provides Gonzaga with a versatile scoring threat and much-needed depth on the perimeter. His ability to stretch defenses with his shooting should create more space for the Bulldogs' guards and ease the burden on the young wings. With his eligibility secured, Gonzaga's rotation becomes more formidable as the team prepares for a challenging non-conference matchup against LSU.