Arizona State’s frontcourt just got a boost, and this one comes with a courtroom twist.
Jonathan Griman, the 6-foot-11 Cal Baptist transfer forward, has been granted a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction, clearing the way for him to suit up for the Devils’ home opener against East Tennessee State and beyond, at least for now. The legal fight isn’t over, but the immediate result is simple: Griman is eligible to play while the case moves forward.
The dispute started last week when Griman filed an eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA. At issue is how the governing body is treating his upcoming season. Griman has played only three college seasons, all at Cal Baptist, but the NCAA counted his international basketball experience in Venezuela as a technical fourth year.
The court documents pointed to that background directly: "There is no debate that Mr. Griman trained and participated in the FIBA-recognized U18 South American Basketball Championships in March 2022, training for that competition from August 2021 until March 2022, a period of time encompassing the length of a college basketball season..." the court documents stated.
"Mr. Griman was eligible for a national team waiver, and would have undoubtedly received that waiver had Cal Baptist properly applied for it."
The NCAA does have a national team waiver meant to prevent situations like this, but it was never properly filed when Griman was at Cal Baptist.
For Arizona State, the timing matters. Griman is the kind of player who changes a rotation with his size and skill set.
Last season, he averaged 5.0 points and 4.9 rebounds for a Cal Baptist team that made the NCAA Tournament. In his junior year, he stepped up to 6.0 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 57% and playing 23.1 minutes per game, helping Cal Baptist win a conference title.
He also brought real defensive impact, finishing with 28 blocks and 15 steals by using his length around the rim and across the floor.
Griman said the move to Arizona State was tied to his connection with former head coach Rick Croy.
“My relationship with Coach Croy and the rest of the coaching staff was what set Arizona State apart. They have made me feel welcome from the very beginning. I was very impressed with the campus and facilities and feel this is the best place to continue my development as a player."
For now, Arizona State has Griman in the fold as it prepares to open the season Monday, Nov. 2, at home against East Tennessee State.
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