Guard CJ Gunn ruled ineligible by SEC for 2026-27 season

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

On the eve of Mizzou hoops' season opener, the Southeastern Conference has ruled guard CJ Gunn ineligible to compete in the 2026-27 season, a team spokesperson confirmed with ABC 17.

The news was first reported by CBS Sports' Matt Norlander. However, in Norlander's initial report he said that Gunn had been ruled ineligible due to playing in the Canadian Basketball League for three games and signing a contract with the Golden State Warriors. Mizzou told ABC 17 that that information was incorrect, as Gunn never signed a contract with Golden State.

The guard was temporarily eligible to play in his fifth season of college hoops, after receiving a temporary restraining order from a judge on Oct. 27. But, despite paying back the $527 he made in the Canadian Basketball League, the SEC ruled Gunn ineligible due to the league's new rules.

Gunn came to Columbia after having previously played at both Indiana and DePaul. In the MU preseason, the guard did not play in either of the Tigers' exhibition games against Kansas State and UNLV. However, he was in action at Mizzou's annual pro day on Oct. 11.

Per Norlander's reporting, Gunn will need to figure out his next steps, as he won't be eligible to be drafted in the NBA's G-League. That comes after the draft for the league was held in October.

Through four seasons of college hoops, Gunn averaged 8.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game. The last season he played at DePaul, right before coming to Mizzou, was his best on record, as he averaged 13.1 points per game.