Gonzaga Basketball: Mark Few voices frustration over NCAA delay in Grant-Foster eligibility

Gonzaga head coach Mark Few and forward Graham Ike publicly discussed transfer guard Tyon Grant-Foster's situation for the first time on Saturday, following his participation in the Kraziness in the Kennel scrimmage while awaiting an NCAA eligibility ruling. Grant-Foster, a 25-year-old from Grand Canyon, recently received a practice waiver allowing him to train with the team and played 14 minutes in the scrimmage, recording two assists, despite having only two practices with Gonzaga.

Coach Few revealed that the staff did not originally plan for Grant-Foster to play in the event, but he was eager to participate. Few expressed frustration over the timing of the NCAA's decision, noting the difficulty of the wait with Gonzaga's first exhibition game just 15 days away and the season opener in 30 days, emphasizing that the process follows its own unpredictable pace.

Graham Ike, a returning starter, highlighted the positive impact of Grant-Foster's arrival, describing him as adding a needed element to the team with great energy, effort, and eagerness to learn Gonzaga's style of play. Ike noted that Grant-Foster has been very happy and integrated into the team, with efforts to gradually bring him up to speed.

Grant-Foster committed to Gonzaga in May after averaging 14.8 points and 5.9 rebounds at Grand Canyon last season, where he was previously named WAC Player of the Year and led his team to their first NCAA Tournament win. His career includes stops at Kansas and Indian Hills Community College, as well as a notable comeback from multiple heart surgeries that once threatened to end his basketball career.

Currently, Gonzaga continues to practice with Grant-Foster while awaiting the NCAA's final eligibility ruling for the 2025-26 season. The team's exhibition play is set to begin at home against Northwest University on October 19, with coverage available on SWX and SWXLocalSports.com.