Saint Joseph's freshman Christ Essandoko will sit out game competition in the 2022-23 season per NCAA eligibility requirements.

While Essandoko is not permitted to compete in games this year, he is allowed to participate in practices, other team activities, and he will retain his four seasons of game eligibility.

"As a member of the NCAA, we respect the recent decision made regarding Christ's initial eligibility. We are aware of the abundance of cases that they review on a daily basis and are grateful for the time they gave to Christ's case," said Saint Joseph's Head Coach Billy Lange. "Our compliance office worked diligently to provide thorough information and we appreciate their time and effort. Our program has been elevated by Christ's infectious personality, competitive nature, and potential. We will use this decision and make it good while we focus on the holistic development of Christ's mind, body, spirit and skill here on Hawk Hill."

Saint Joseph's opens its 2022-23 season on Friday versus #3 Houston at 6 p.m. in the opening game of the Veterans Classic at the United States Naval Academy's Alumni Hall.