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Siena applies for waiver on behalf of Javion Ogunyemi

Jimmy Patsos

Jimmy Patsos

AP

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.

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