Judge allows CJ Gunn to join Mizzou hoops roster

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Boone County judge has granted a temporary restraining order that will allow transfer guard CJ Gunn to play a fifth season of college basketball.

Gunn and his legal team appeared in a Boone County courtroom Tuesday to plead their case for why Gunn should be given an extra year of eligibility. The judge ruled Wednesday that Gunn would be eligible, and he will be able to join Mizzou's roster for the 2026-27 season.

As part of the ruling, the former DePaul guard has been ordered to pay back $524 he made playing professionally in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Additionally, he will need to serve a one-for-one suspension of three competitive games, exhibitions or practices to supplement the contests he played as a pro.

His legal team also read from an affidavit that head coach Dennis Gates submitted, which stated Gunn would not take the place of another player on the roster. On Sunday, when Gates talked to local media members after Mizzou's pro day, he said the entire team agreed that bringing on Gunn and Mark Mitchell was good for the program.

The restraining order will remain in effect until Oct. 24, at which point the court could order a more permanent injunction before the season begins.