Javion Ogunyemi is back with the Saints and Siena head coach Jimmy Patsos hopes he’ll be eligible to play at the start of the 2015-16 season.
Siena has applied for a waiver from the NCAA to allow Ogunyemi to play immediately, according to a report on Monday afternoon from Mike Singelais of the Times-Union.
Ogunyemi averaged 9.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game as a sophomore for the Saints in 2014-15. Following the season, he decided to transfer, eventually enrolling at Boston University. Ogunyemi returned to Siena after a summer of taking courses at BU. The change of heart was sparked by a family tragedy, his cousin murdered in May in nearby Troy, New York.
“He’d like to play very badly and we’d like him to play very badly,” Patsos told the Times-Union. “It’s one of those situations where he’s coming back and there’s good reasons why. If you’re going to give a waiver, these are ones the NCAA should be proud of.”
Ogunyemi must apply for a waiver after taking classes at BU this summer. Per NCAA rules, he would have to sit out the 2015-16 season.
With Lavon Long, Brett Bisping and Imoh Silas, the Saints aren’t lacking any size on the inside. But the addition of Ogunyemi would be a boost for a team looking to make the jump and contend in the MAAC.
Siena opens the season on Nov. 13 against reigning national champion, Duke.