Shifting Boundaries in College Sports
The lines that define college sports are, well, pretty murky right now. Athletes who would have been sidelined just five years ago are not only participating in college programs but, in many cases, making significant money while doing so—almost as if it’s completely acceptable now.
In this environment, there are still moments that feel a bit like straying into a gray area. It might be tough to pinpoint exactly what those boundaries are, but there’s often a gut feeling when something feels off.
Will Wade is right in the middle of it all. This is the same guy who, before it became a topic of conversation, was already vocal about compensating players. Now he’s back at it in Baton Rouge, much like those subtle jabs exchanged between popular artists.
Recently, Wade made waves by signing Israeli point guard Yam Madar to a hefty $5 million deal. Madar is no newbie; he’s got experience in the EuroLeague and recently competed with Hapoel Tel Aviv BC against quite a formidable opponent in Real Madrid. He was also picked 47th overall by Boston in the 2020 NBA Draft—a draft that included names like Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball.
Now, Madar, who turns 26 in December, was never on the Celtics’ roster, but they still hold his rights. He secured the EuroLeague’s “Rising Star” award this year and played 16 games last season, averaging around 11.1 points along with 3.9 assists per game.
If that news wasn’t enough, less than a day later, LSU announced the signing of RJ Lewis, a former standout at St. John’s. Lewis earned the Big East Player of the Year title for the 2024-25 season. He had chosen to spend another year in college last spring, hoping to improve his prospects for the NBA but went undrafted.
There were buzzes last summer about Wade trying to get Lewis to commit to North Carolina State. Ultimately, though, Lewis ended up signing a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz and was traded to the Boston Celtics two months later. However, he was released before the next season and did end up signing with the Maine Celtics in the G League.
The Lewis signing reminded many of the Bediako situation from last season. To recap, in 2023, Charles Bediako left Alabama early for the NBA but went undrafted. He eventually signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs and returned to Alabama under a temporary restraining order, playing in just five games before his bid to stay was turned down.
The NCAA hasn’t changed its stance on eligibility. NCAA President Charlie Baker previously stated that any student-athlete who signs NBA contracts—including two-way deals—won’t be eligible, referencing cases like Bediako’s.
Wade’s actions seem driven by more than just his reputation as a provocateur. Since he controversially returned to LSU from North Carolina State after a single season, he’s struggled to build a strong lineup. The Tigers, after a lackluster 15-17 season, lack the influx of new talent this year. If he were thriving in the NCAA transfer portal, that would be one thing, but results have been disappointing.
So far this spring, Wade has managed to sign just four players through the transfer portal: Devine Ugochukwu from Michigan State, Abdi Bashir from Kansas State, Mo Diubate from Kentucky, and Austin Nunez from UTSA. LSU’s current ranking is quite low, sitting at No. 40 according to 247 Sports. As many other major programs finalize their rosters, Wade is scrambling.
Earlier this month, Wade outmaneuvered Kentucky to sign Marcio Santos, a 23-year-old Brazilian big man. Besides Madar and Lewis, there are whispers of interest in 22-year-old Sario Niang from Italy. With limited impactful players left in the portal, it seems Wade is trying to gather as many experienced players as he can, hoping that at least some will be deemed eligible by the NCAA.
Given the prior cases, particularly with Bediako, the odds of the NCAA allowing Lewis back into college basketball for the 2026-27 season appear slim. Madar might have a slightly better chance, but the possibility of him being kept from competing in college basketball as he approaches his 26th birthday seems quite high.
For other coaches in prominent conferences, Wade’s recent moves might reflect desperation and a lack of respect for the principles of college basketball. Yet, for someone like him—who has continuously played with the established norms—it’s rather understandable why he’s still navigating this gray area so confidently.
