GU’s Edi impatiently playing waiting game
The only game Guy Landry Edi can play right now is the waiting game, and he’s not very good at it.
Gonzaga’s junior forward is halfway through his eight-game suspension, handed down by the NCAA prior to the season. Edi was ruled ineligible because he played on a professional team in Paris, France – where he spent most of his childhood – when he was 15 and 16 years old. Gonzaga appealed the decision, but hasn’t heard back from the NCAA. Edi said he played in two games each season.
The Bulldogs, No. 19 in the Associated Press rankings, are unbeaten through four games. If the suspension remains in place, Edi would become eligible for GU’s ninth game, against Arizona, in the Battle in Seattle on Dec. 17.
“I’m waiting,” Edi said prior to Monday’s practice. “It’s hard, but at the end of the day I’m happy my team is finding ways to win. That’s the most important thing.”
Edi played two years at Midland (Texas) College. He was up front with Gonzaga’s staff during the recruiting process and knew a suspension was possible. He just didn’t think it would be for eight games.
Edi practices, works on his game, watches video and helps imitate opponents’ offenses and defenses for the scout team. Come game time, he takes a seat on the bench.
“It’s hard, especially with these next three big games,” said Edi, referring to Gonzaga’s early December stretch of Notre Dame (Wednesday), Illinois (Saturday) and Michigan State (Dec. 10). “Coach (Mark Few) just told me to stay focused, dialed in and be patient and that’s what I’m doing. What I can control is getting better and being ready when it’s my time to play.”
Edi constantly bugs Gonzaga administrators to see if they’ve heard from the NCAA.
“They tell me what I’m telling you,” he said with a shrug. “All I can do is wait.”