A crucial court ruling keeps the versatile big man on the floor as Rick Pitino joins the legal battle against NCAA restrictions, offering hope for BYU’s season.
BYU Cougars transfer Jaxon Kohler had his day in a California court on Tuesday. He's one of dozens of other athletes seeking a fifth year of eligibility.
Kohler was one of 70+ players in the Glancey vs NCAA lawsuit. The class of 2022 recruits are collectively fighting to be covered under the existing five-for-five rule. According to BYU insider Robby McCombs, the Temporary Restraining Order remains in effect October 20. "Kohler and other players in the case remain eligible. BYU plays Nebraska in an exhibition on October 16, so Kohler is eligible to play in that game," McCombs wrote.
Kohler took the stand to testify, but St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino stole the show. The legendary college basketball figure went against the NCAA's attempts to block athletes from competition. He was the most prominent voice of the day. “The NCAA should give up on all of these lawsuits and let everyone in the Class of 2022 play this year," Pitino told the court.
Kohler remains eligible for now. However, his status for the future is still unknown. He intends to be available for BYU until the next court ruling is issued. The court ruling from Tuesday is widely viewed as a positive for all the plaintiffs in this case. If a preliminary injunction is granted next month, that could push the trial date out and that could come after the 2026-27 basketball season.
One of the biggest positives for all the players being represented is the same group of lawyers in California had a preliminary injunction granted in the Indiana case recently. The two are similar in nature, leaving many people cautiously optimistic.
Kohler is the most impactful fifth year player in college basketball this season. For BYU to get him from another Power Four school would be a huge advantage if he could stay eligible. The Cougars would have one of the best hybrid big men in the game. After Kohler spent four years with Tom Izzo at Michigan State, there is no doubt he'll be fundamentally sound. He's an outstanding rebounder, and one of the best shooting bigs in college basketball this season.
BYU coach Kevin Young hopes to know Kohler's status before the start of the season. Like Charles Bediako's case at Alabama, the fallout of uncertainty and then being banned caused a lot of heartache. One thing Young wants to avoid is this leading to forfeit games. Also, it would send the Cougars back to the drawing board after already not being able to secure a big man during the offseason.
The NCAA has lost several eligibility cases around the country. Instead of allowing the 2022 players to be grandfathered into the current rule, they are still fighting in court.
More BYU Cougars News:
