A Fifth-Year Decision Reshapes College Basketball
A federal judge in Colorado has granted a fifth year of NCAA eligibility to the class of 2022 athletes, a move that instantly reinstates a year of play for dozens of college basketball hopefuls. The injunction, which applies nationwide, overrides a previous NCAA restriction and clears the path for players who remain undrafted to return to campus.
Among those poised to benefit is former St. John’s guard Oziyah Sellers, who averaged 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 53 three‑pointers last season. After going undrafted in the 2026 NBA draft and a brief stint in the New York Knicks’ summer league, where he posted 5.8 points per game, Sellers will now seek a sixth year of collegiate competition.
The ruling also impacts Dillon Mitchell, who may return if he does not sign a two‑way contract with the Boston Celtics, and A.J. Storr, who has entered the transfer portal after a five‑team journey through college hoops. Both players are weighing professional opportunities against the prospect of an additional NCAA season.
Roster Moves and Coaching Adjustments
St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino has been active in reshaping his roster, acquiring Chris Ledlum in July 2023 and trading Quinn Slazinski to West Virginia. With a full 15‑man roster now in place, the team must decide how to integrate Sellers while maintaining depth at the guard position.
The broader implications extend beyond individual careers. The decision signals a growing willingness of courts to intervene in eligibility disputes, potentially setting a precedent that could further liberalize the transfer portal and alter the calculus for prospects evaluating the NBA draft.
Analysts tracking the market note that platforms like On3 are already publishing detailed eligibility forecasts, underscoring the commercial interest in these roster shifts.