Former UW basketball player Greg Stiemsma, who has gone on to have a career in the NBA, missed the final 15 games of his sophomore season in 2006 after his depression led to poor academic performance.

“I know depression isn’t seen as it really is,” Jaden Gault said. “A lot of people go through it, and it’s hard to come forth with it. It was tough for me, but I’m glad that I did and got the help I needed.”

The Gaults met with UW coaches, academic advisers and others in the athletic department, and they agreed Jaden needed to get healthy first and then work on being a student before he rejoined the team.

Gault will take a full class load in the fall and hopes to rejoin the team for spring practice next year.

“It was rough going there for a couple months,” Matt Gault said. “He’s really worked hard. He’s getting to a point where he’s making better decisions, and he’s doing what he needs to do to get better. This fall’s going to be another challenge for him. “At this point, we’re kind of targeting January to (return to the team), and if that happens, great. If not, we’ll reassess the options then.”