College basketball is entering new territory, and Elijah Hughes is watching closely.
The former Syracuse standout, who made a name for himself as a high-scoring wing after transferring from East Carolina, is tossing his name into the conversation around former pros returning to the college game. Hughes averaged 16.3 points per game over two seasons with the Orange before heading to the NBA, where he was selected 39th overall in the 2020 Draft. He logged 54 appearances between the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers before continuing his career in the G League and overseas in Spain’s Liga ACB.
Now, with players like James Nnaji and Charles Bediako finding paths back to the college hardwood despite NBA experience, Hughes is asking a fair question: if they can do it, why not him?
He took to social media to float the idea, posting on X (formerly Twitter) with a message that raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity. It’s unclear how serious he is-this could just be a playful jab at the system-but the conversation it opens is real.
Hughes, after all, has more NBA games under his belt than any of the players who’ve returned to the NCAA ranks so far. That alone makes his case a bit more complicated.
The NCAA has strict eligibility rules, and extensive professional experience, especially at the NBA level, has traditionally been a roadblock to returning. Still, with the landscape of college athletics shifting-thanks to NIL deals, transfer portal freedom, and evolving eligibility standards-it’s not out of the question to wonder whether the door might open wider in the future.
If Hughes is even half-serious, and if the rules somehow aligned in his favor, Syracuse fans would no doubt welcome him back with open arms. He was a dynamic scorer, a leader, and a fan favorite during his time in orange. And in a college basketball world that’s constantly evolving, the idea of a former NBA player stepping back onto a Division I court isn’t as far-fetched as it once seemed.
For now, it’s just a tweet. But in today’s game, even a tweet can spark a movement.