UWGB basketball stars return amid NCAA legal fight

Orlando Lovejoy and Aidan Hadaway, two star players from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay men’s basketball team, have returned to action following a Kentucky judge's temporary injunction against the NCAA on October 16. This ruling allows Lovejoy, Hadaway, and others involved in the lawsuit to resume practicing and playing. The injunction came 14 days after a Kentucky Court of Appeals decision against the group of about 40 student-athletes who had already exhausted their eligibility at the end of the 2021-2022 season.

Lovejoy, a 6-foot-3 guard from Detroit, is expected to debut for the Warriors in an exhibition game against Marquette at the Resch Center on October 19. Hadaway, a 6-8 forward from Ohio, is currently recovering from a foot injury and will undergo a CT scan on October 20. If the scan results are clear, he will be cleared to practice.

Both players were key contributors to the Titans last season, with Lovejoy averaging 15.8 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 steals, and Hadaway scoring 14.4 points and grabbing 7.4 rebounds as a senior. Coach Doug Gottlieb expressed excitement about Lovejoy's return, noting his leadership and understanding of the game, especially in guiding younger teammates like Ahmere Carson and LeBron Thomas.

The NCAA could potentially appeal the injunction or request a higher court to pause it while the legal battle continues, which could impact whether Lovejoy and Hadaway play the entire season.