Arizona PF RJ Godfrey not considered eligible after NCAA granted stay

Arizona Wildcats expected starting power forward RJ Godfrey is no longer considered eligible after the NCAA was granted a stay in a Georgia lawsuit that named him among players seeking eligibility this season.

The Clemson transfer was among dozens of college student-athletes who have fought for their eligibility this summer in hopes the “5 for 5” rule allowing five years to play five seasons would apply to them.

Attorneys in Godfrey’s case previously said he would be suspended four games to start his season at Arizona for signing a pro contract and playing in an all-star exhibition game.

Even if the NCAA wasn’t granted a stay, the Big 12 also implemented a new policy in recent weeks stating any player who signs a pro contract will not be eligible. Getting around that may have been tough, as it has been for Arizona State’s Moe Odum.

There remains a chance for Godfrey to play for the Wildcats, as a hearing in the case is still to come.

Godfrey played two seasons at Clemson before transferring to Georgia and later returning to Clemson for his senior season.

Last season, he averaged 12 points (61.1% shooting), 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 25.2 minutes per game (all career highs) for the Tigers.

He likely would’ve slotted in to the hole left at Arizona by Koa Peat, who was drafted in the first round by the Phoenix Suns after a one-and-done freshman season.

The NCAA’s stay in the Georgia lawsuit also took eligibility away from Grand Canyon guard Dan Skillings Jr., who transferred from Baylor where he played for GCU head coach Bryce Drew’s brother, Scott.

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