CJ Gunn granted temporary eligibility to play for Mizzou

A Boone County judge has issued a temporary restraining order allowing transfer guard CJ Gunn to play a fifth season of college basketball for the University of Missouri during the 2026-27 season. The ruling comes after a legal battle regarding Gunn’s eligibility following a brief stint in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).

As part of the court order, Gunn must repay $524 earned while playing professionally for the Calgary Surge in May. He is also required to serve a one-for-one suspension consisting of three competitive games, exhibitions, or practices to account for the three games he played in the CEBL.

Gunn’s legal team argued that the NCAA’s new eligibility rules should not be applied retroactively to his time in Canada, as he was unaware he could maintain collegiate eligibility at the time. The temporary restraining order remains in effect until October 24, at which point the court will consider a more permanent injunction.

Mizzou head coach Dennis Gates expressed support for the student-athlete, noting that the team welcomes Gunn’s addition to the roster. The ruling for prospective forward Mark Mitchell remains pending following a separate hearing in Kentucky.