Trey McGowens Eligibility Waiver Accepted by NCAA

After applying for a waiver for immediate eligibility, the Nebraska Cornhuskers announced Monday of this week (Oct. 5) that Trey McGowens’ waiver was approved by the NCAA. He is expected to be a start for the Huskers this season now that he is cleared to play.

Coach Hoiberg also provided the following statement on the news:

“We are excited that Trey received a waiver from the NCAA, and we want to thank the work of our compliance staff in helping him become eligible for this season, Trey has the experience and skill set to be a difference-maker for us this year.”

The former Pittsburgh Panthers guard was a composite 4-star in the 2018 class per 247, was the 86th ranked player in the country per Rivals, and the No. 10 combo guard in the country per 247. McGowens was the first Pitt freshman ever to receive ACC Rookie of the Week honors twice his freshman season. He also ranked third in the ACC with 1.9 steals per game while starting in 32 of 33 games that season.

Overall in his two seasons, McGowens averaged 11.6 points per game over his career while starting in 64 of 66 games for Pitt. His sophomore season his assist total rose from 55 to 118 (1.7 to 3.6 per game), though his turnovers also increased from 80 to 94. He also averaged fourth best in the ACC his sophomore season when he averaged 1.9 steals per game. McGowens was shooting 31.1% from behind the three point line last season as well. He received All-ACC Academic Team honors as a sophomore after earning All-ACC Honor Roll honors as a freshman.

As for Nebraska, McGowens chose the Huskers over offers from the likes of Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Ole Miss, Seton Hall, TCU, and Xavier. In part this was based off of a close relationship McGowens built with Nebraska assistant coach Matt Abdelmassih when he was recruited out of high school to play at St. John’s. McGowens also was named a top ten sit out transfer this off-season per ESPN, obviously prior to his waiver request and approval.