Keyshawn Hall gains temporary eligibility for St. John's ahead of October 6 hearing

Keyshawn Hall has a temporary route back to competition for St. John's after a New York court order restrained the NCAA from enforcing the eligibility limits challenged in his lawsuit. The order was filed Friday morning in Queens County, with a preliminary injunction hearing set for Tuesday, October 6, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern.

The restraint applies pending that hearing. Hall's ability to play remains tied to the court proceedings; Friday's filing does not settle his eligibility for the entire 2026-27 season.

The Field of 68 reported the development Friday, crediting New York Post reporter Zach Braziller. Its post described Hall as currently eligible, reflecting the temporary nature of the order.

Hall is challenging the NCAA's eligibility limits and the exclusion of athletes who first enrolled in 2022 from its revised eligibility framework. In the interim, the order bars the NCAA from using those provisions to declare him ineligible to practice or compete. It also restrains interference with a member institution's decision to allow his participation.

The October 6 hearing will address his request for a preliminary injunction, a longer form of interim relief while the underlying case proceeds. A temporary restraining order gives the parties a bridge to that hearing. It does not establish a final ruling on Hall's claims.

For Rick Pitino, the immediate basketball question is whether one of his most productive incoming forwards can remain available as St. John's prepares for the season. Hall averaged 19.3 points and 7.1 rebounds at Auburn last season, earning third-team All-SEC honors, according to his St. John's biography.

His scoring came from several areas. He shot 37.9 percent from three-point range and 85.7 percent at the free-throw line. That gives the Red Storm an experienced offensive option if he remains eligible, rather than a player whose expected role rests only on his transfer announcement.

Hall's college career has already taken him through UNLV, George Mason, UCF and Auburn. St. John's lists the 6-foot-7 forward as a graduate student on its current roster.

Storm the Paint reported Friday that Hall's hearing is scheduled before St. John's first exhibition on October 14. The court's next decision therefore comes while Pitino is still preparing his preseason rotation.