Sports

Siena Hooper Mysteriously Barred From Final Home Game Amid Unexplained Eligibility Issue

#Siena Saints
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Antonio Chandler / Siena Saints

© Robert Goddin-Imagn Images


The Siena basketball team honored its seniors on Sunday in the final home game of the regular season. Transfer Antonio Chandler did not see the floor in that season finale.

He was barred from competition for a second straight contest as his camp sorts out a mysterious eligibility issue. The Saints addressed his absence but did not detail specifics of the benching.

Chandler missed a road game vs. Fairfield last week with no reasoning provided. He then showed up to Sunday’s matchup against Rider in street clothes.

The forward was able to walk with his family for Senior Day festivities. He was unable to suit up.

Antonio Chandler is ineligible.

Chandler missed Siena’s last game of the regular season. He has been a top performer for the 20-win Saints as they push towards the postseason.

An all-around contributor, the forward ranks Top 6 on the team in scoring, rebounding, steals, and blocks. He is second on the squad in shooting, converting on more than 64% of his attempts.

Chandler’s path to Division I basketball has been an interesting one. He’s now with his fourth school in seven seasons.

Prior to signing with Sienna, he suited up for Franklin Pierce (D2), Jamestown (NAIA), and Southern Connecticut State (D2).

Antonio Chandler timeline:

Franklin Pierce (2019-20): 21 games
Franklin Pierce (2020-21): two games, injury
Franklin Pierce (2021-22): six games, injury
Franklin Pierce (2022-23): 29 games
Jamestown (2023-24): 21 games
Southern Connecticut (2024-25): 23 games
Siena (2025-26): 29 games

Despite having played in more than 100 games across six previous seasons, he was expected to have one year of eligibility remaining. Two campaigns were cut short by injury. He also possessed the COVID waiver.

Chandler had not had an issue with competition until the final week of the season. Now, there are questions.

What does this mean for Siena?

Speculation is now spreading across social media. Is the absence related to previous seasons? Is the issue academic? Will the Saints miss out on the postseason? Will they be forced to forfeit wins?

To this point, that remains unclear.

Knowingly playing with ineligible players would warrant those types of punishment. Siena’s vague description of Antonio Chandler’s eligibility concern provides little clarity.

His status has major implications.

At this point in time, the Saints are in a position to make a run in March. The team is positioned as the No. 3 seed in the upcoming MAAC Conference Tournament. A championship provides a path to the Big Dance.

Even should they fail to secure a conference tournament crown, a spot in the NIT is attainable.

Those postseason pursuits now hinge on the outcome of Chandler’s case. Siena is working with the NCAA to find a solution.