College basketball has officially entered the absurd era.
And the latest example unfolding at LSU Tigers men’s basketball is almost impossible to believe.
According to reports discussed by insider Jeff Goodman, LSU is bringing in Yam Madar — a 26-year-old former NBA Draft pick who has already played professionally at a high level in Europe and spent time in the G-League.
A 26-year-old professional player. In college basketball.
And reportedly for around $5 million.
That alone would sound ridiculous five years ago. But it gets even crazier.
Goodman and Rob Dauster also pointed to RJ Luis Jr., the former St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball star and 2025 Big East Player of the Year, who reportedly could also wind up at LSU after previously entering the NBA Draft process.
At some point, this stops resembling college basketball entirely.
Goodman — who has covered the sport through every NIL and portal twist imaginable — sounded disgusted.
“Have some pride. Have some dignity,” Goodman said of LSU coach Will Wade. “Don’t try to ruin the sport.”
Strong words. But many fans around the country probably understand the sentiment.
Because what exactly are schools like Syracuse Orange men’s basketball supposed to do in this environment?
Syracuse fans are already grappling with the realities of NIL spending, transfer portal instability, and the fear of being “left behind,” something new coach Gerry McNamara openly referenced during his introductory press conference.
But competing financially against other power programs is one thing.
Competing in a world where schools are effectively building pro teams inside college basketball is something else entirely.
Can Syracuse still build a sustainable culture-based program focused on development, fit, and identity?
Or does modern college basketball now require coaches to operate in a gray area where age, experience, and professionalism barely resemble the original spirit of the sport?
Because if a former EuroLeague professional approaching 26 years old can suddenly become a “college player,” the definition of college athletics has changed completely.
Programs like LSU will argue they’re simply exploiting the rules better than everyone else.
And schools like Syracuse now face a massive question:
Can you still compete without becoming part of the chaos yourself?
