Connor Hickman, a 23-year-old grad student at the College of Charleston, will continue playing for the Cougars men’s basketball team. He will take the court tomorrow night against South Florida in Tampa, FL and in the College of Charleston’s next 2 home games on Sunday, December 14 vs. UNC-Charlotte and on Wednesday, December 17 vs. crosstown rival, The Citadel. Hickman is represented by The Peper Law Firm, PA of Charleston, SC and Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick of Toledo, Ohio.
The order granted this morning in Charleston County allows Hickman to compete while the Court reviews his ongoing petition for an additional year of eligibility. The next hearing has been scheduled for 11am on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
On November 18, 2025, the Court granted an Emergency Temporary Restraining Order allowing Hickman to play immediately, and he joined his teammates 3 days later against UMASS in the Paradise Jam played in the US Virgin Islands. Since joining the team, Hickman has been named team Captain, has led the team in minutes played, and was named to the Paradise Jam All-Tournament Team.
Lead attorney Mark A. Peper of the Peper Law Firm in Charleston, South Carolina issued the following statement:
“Connor’s a winner, and he’s thrilled that today’s Order allows him to continue competing with his teammates against 3 very good opponents over the next 10 days. While we all remain hopeful that the NCAA will allow Connor to play this season without the need for ongoing litigation, we remain ready to prove our case in court once and for all. Connor and his fiancé love Cougar Nation, and he’s extremely grateful for all the support shown by the best basketball fans in America.”
The filed Order Granting Emergency TRO issued November 18, 2025 is available for download at www.peperlawfirm.com/InTheNews