Missouri guard CJ Gunn ruled ineligible by SEC after playing in CEBL this offseason

Just one day before Missouri is slated to kick off its 2026-27 campaign at home against Cleveland State, guard CJ Gunn has been ruled ineligible to compete this season by the SEC. CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander first reported the news Monday. Gunn, who was temporarily eligible to play his fifth season of college basketball after having his temporary restraining order extended on Oct. 27, received $524 to play in three games in the Canadian Elite Basketball League in May. Due to the SEC’s rule, even though he reportedly paid back the $524, Gunn is now ineligible to compete. $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage The Indianapolis native played previously at Indiana and DePaul before transferring to Missouri this offseason. He did not play for the Tigers in either of their exhibition games against Kansas State or UNLV. Per Norlander, Gunn is also not eligible to be drafted into the NBA’s G-League, which had its draft in October. Across his collegiate career (113 games), Gunn boasted averages of 8.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assist. He was coming off a career-best season at DePaul, in which he averaged 13.1 points. He was set to play a pivotal role for Dennis Gates‘ team this season, but that will no longer be the case. Prior to the news dropping on Monday, Gates revealed that he had a phone call scheduled later in the afternoon to figure out what Gunn’s eligibility status would be going forward. Missouri‘s head coach also revealed that they have suspended Tennessee transfer forward Jaylen Carey due to a ‘violation of team rules’. It is unknown whether or not he will play for the Tigers this season. Missouri down two players heading into 2026-27 season opener The 2026-27 season will mark head coach Dennis Gates‘ fifth at the University of Missouri. Over the course of his first four seasons, Gates has led the Tigers to a 75-59 (31-41) record with three NCAA Tournament appearances. Missouri, however, is still looking to reach the second weekend of the Tournament under Gates. Last season, Missouri finished at 20-13 (10-8) and fell to Miami in the First Round. Missouri received a big boost this offseason, when All-SEC forward Mark Mitchell decided to return to the program after temporarily committing to Kentucky. Mitchell was in the midst of a legal battle for his fifth season of eligibility, and ultimately ended up back in Columbia. Missouri opens the season right outside the AP Poll, right at No. 26. After opening with Cleveland State, Missouri is set to clash with the A-10’s Saint Louis Friday night. The Billikens are coming off a 29-6 campaign and an NCAA Tournament appearance under third-year head coach Josh Schertz.