Missouri Suspends Jaylen Carey; CJ Gunn Ruled Ineligible Before Opener

Missouri will open its men’s basketball season Tuesday without forward Jaylen Carey, who has been suspended indefinitely for a team-rules violation, and guard CJ Gunn, whom the Southeastern Conference has ruled ineligible.

Coach Dennis Gates announced Carey’s suspension Monday, according to the Associated Press. Gates declined to elaborate on the violation. Carey’s availability for Friday’s game against Saint Louis remains uncertain.

Carey transferred from Tennessee, where he averaged 7.4 points and 6.0 rebounds in 2025–26. Missouri’s official roster lists him as a 6-foot-8 senior. He did not play in either of the Tigers’ exhibition games.

Gunn’s absence involves a separate eligibility decision. CBS Sports reported that he signed a professional contract and received $524 for three Canadian Elite Basketball League games in May. Gates told CBS the money had been repaid, but the SEC’s rule bars players who sign professional contracts after enrolling in college from returning to conference competition.

Gunn spent the previous two seasons at DePaul. The Tigers begin against Cleveland State at Mizzou Arena on November 3, with two newcomers unavailable for their first regular-season game.