On Oct. 22, the NCAA approved St. Joe’s application for a legislative relief waiver for sophomore guard Dahmir Bishop, granting him eligibility to compete in the 2020-21 season.

Bishop transferred to St. Joe’s from Xavier University in early January 2020. Typically, student-athletes must complete one full academic year, or two semesters, at their new institution before being eligible to compete in games. However, an institution can file a waiver on behalf of a player that grants them immediate eligibility. Bishop was granted a legislative relief waiver, which is granted “when dealing with an urgent, unforeseen and/or extraordinary circumstance on campus or involving a student-athlete,” according to the NCAA.

“I feel real good about it,” Bishop said. “I think I can help the team tremendously on both ends of the floor.” 

Bishop said that it was difficult not knowing if he would be eligible for the start of the season as he waited for the NCAA to review his waiver application. 

“It was real hard,” Bishop said. “I just had to keep going day-by-day and stay wishing for the best, but it was weird not knowing.”

With Bishop eligible for action, he joins fellow transfer sophomore guard Greg Foster Jr., from Gonzaga University, in a backcourt that has speed, length and the ability to penetrate the defense, according to Head Coach Billy Lange.

“What [Foster] and [Bishop] both do is they add elements of people that can put the pressure on the paint and force the defense to make a decision,” Lange said during a press conference.

Last season, St. Joe’s ranked third in the NCAA in 3-pointers attempted per game. Sophomore guard Cameron Brown said that when Bishop breaks down the defense, he has the passing ability to get the ball to an open shooter for a 3-pointer. 

“On the offensive end, he can get into the paint and create shots for people, and really help in playing the style we want to play this year,” Brown said during a press conference.

Bishop said that it’s fun to play with players who, when he makes those types of passes, can knock down threes. 

“Playing with the guys we have, it’s like snipers all over the court,” Bishop said. “I hand it off to those guys knowing they’re going to knock down shots.”

Bishop is a self-described “streaky shooter,” but has the ability to get hot if he sees a few shots go in.

“I’ve been shooting the ball pretty well lately,” Bishop said. “Once I see my first one or two shots go down, I’m going to keep looking for my shot.”

Bishop said that he looks to create an impact on defense with his arm length and motor. Brown said that Bishop utilizes his arm length on the defensive end of the court to contest shots. 

“He knows how to use his length really well,” Brown said. “His closeouts are really crazy and he’s a really good rim protector also.”

Hawk fans should expect to see Bishop debut for St. Joe’s against Auburn University on Nov. 26 in the Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off. 

“I want all the SJU fans to really look forward to the season,” Bishop said. “We’re going to have something in store for them.”