In a matter of minutes on Tuesday afternoon, St. John’s received two major doses of good news for eligibility cases for two of its projected top players.
First, after a hearing, Keyshawn Hall’s temporary restraining order in his suit against the NCAA was held in place, meaning he is eligible until the judge rules on his request for a preliminary injunction. The NCAA had sought for the TRO to be removed.
Then, moments after leaving the Queens courtroom, coach Rick Pitino was given even better news: The NCAA had cleared British point guard Quinn Ellis after weeks of waiting.
So Pitino will have his complete roster for Wednesday’s exhibition opener against Drexel at Carnesecca Arena.
The uber-talented 6-foot-4 Ellis played last year in the EuroLeague and is considered one of the top international players to play college basketball in recent years. Pitino said he is on the same level as the top point guards to play for him at St. John’s, Kadary Richmond and Daniss Jenkins.
A high-scoring Auburn transfer, the 6-foot-7 Hall is part of the 2022 high school class the NCAA declined to grandfather in for its new eligibility rule that granted five years of eligibility for players. Hall’s attorney argued that the NCAA changing the eligibility rule and not including the 2022 class was a breach of contract.
The lawyer used several similar cases in New York State, won by players from the 2022 class, as precedent for a ruling in Hall’s favor. A timeline for a decision on the preliminary injunction is uncertain. It is at the judge’s discretion.
At Auburn last year, Hall averaged 19.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and shot 37.9 percent from 3-point range on 4.7 attempts. He was an All-SEC third team selection and was fifth in scoring in the powerhouse conference.
