NCAA’s Surprising Move: Why Tyon Grant-Foster’s Practice Waiver Could Change the Game at Gonzaga

It’s about time — honestly, this moment should’ve unfolded weeks ago. Tyon Grant-Foster, a 6-foot-7 wing with a tumultuous journey through college hoops, can finally lace up and practice with Gonzaga in Spokane. The NCAA’s slow-walking of his eligibility waiver has left him playing catch-up, and it’s clear he’s been at a disadvantage compared to teammates prepping for the 2025-26 season. From battling cardiac arrest to navigating transfers from Indian Hills to Kansas, then to DePaul, and onto Phoenix, his resilience is nothing short of remarkable. Recognized as the 2023-24 Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Grant-Foster’s scoring prowess and defensive chops are exactly what the Zags need to reignite their national presence. He’s more than ready to hit the court under the guidance of Coach Mark Few — and frankly, we’re all eager to see what this talented athlete can bring to the table. LEARN MORE.

This should’ve happened weeks ago.

6-7 wing Tyon Grant-Foster is now allowed to practice with Gonzaga in Spokane while the NCAA decides on his competitive eligibility waiver in the meantime. That will unlikely be completed by the time Kraziness in the Kennel rolls around this weekend, on October 4th at 4 p.m. PT.

Grant-Foster is already well behind in preparation for the 2025-26 season compared to his teammates, thanks to the NCAA’s incompetence and lack of urgency.

He started his career with Indian Hills Community College from 2018-20 before transferring to Kansas in 2020-21. He transferred again to DePaul, where he only played one game in 2021-22 before he collapsed at halftime of the season opener. Grant-Foster had to redshirt during the 2022-23 campaign after going into cardiac arrest and eventually moved to Phoenix to play under coach Bryce Drew.

The 2023-24 Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year is exactly what the Zags are missing to put this program in the national conversation. A pure scorer out on the perimeter who averaged 20.1 points on a 44.6 field goal percentage, 33.1 three-point percentage, and 74.5 free throw percentage to go along with 6.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game in 34 starts.

The two-time All-WAC member had his production drop in 2024-25 as he was dealing with undisclosed injuries throughout. Grant-Foster put together 14.8 points on a 39.9 field goal percentage, 23.2 three-point percentage, and 68.6 free throw percentage, plus 5.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game through 17 starts in 26 appearances.

Grant-Foster helped lead the Antelopes to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances. He’s itching to get back on the court and play for coach Mark Few.

“Amazing basketball situation. One of the best, if not the best, college coaches in the country. I know this is a place I can go get better in a real way and continue to win at a high level, and it’s been proven through their development of NBA-level wings.” – Tyon Grant-Foster via 247Sports

The Kansas City native has been splitting his time between his hometown and Phoenix over the summer. Now, he can finally make his way to the Pacific Northwest.

Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on Twitter @a_cravalho