Former Syracuse basketball player Joseph Girard III took to social media this weekend with an interesting, yet humorous take on the recent increase of foreign players playing college basketball. 

Arguably one of the most decorated high school athletes in New York State (Glens Falls) history, Girard decided to stay in state and sign with the Orange. In four years with the Orange, "JG3," averaged 13.2 points and 3.6 assists.

Despite his success, Girard was a polarizing figure for his on-court play by Orange fans. The program reached the tournament just one time in his tenure and he went to Clemson for his fifth and final campaign. He helped the Tigers make the NCAA Tournament in that season.

Recently, ESPN Radio Syracuse posted a social media graphic describing Girard as one of the "Good Players Who was Hated By Fans"

Girard posted on X: 

"Been Playing Overseas For 2 Years & Seeing Guys I’ve Played Against Similar My Age, Who Have Played Pro Longer Then Me, Just Now Going To College. There’s Nothing “Collegiate” About It Anymore!"

Girard spent last season as a member of the Trabzonspor Basketball team in Turkey. 

While we can't easily prove that international players are entering college programs at Girard's age (25), he's certainly not wrong about the influx of international players in the college game. International players have often already been professionals and do enter college older than typical American freshman.

This past Final Four featured 24 international players. 

  --The Syracuse men's lacrosse team will be advancing to the NCAA semifinals after a 13-11 win over North Carolina on Saturday. The Orange rallied from a 6-2 deficit to take a 9-8 lead heading into the fourth quarter.  Joey Spallina, the school's all-time scorer, netted the final goal of the game for the Orange. The team now moves on to face Notre Dame in next weekend's semifinal matchup. 

--When will quarterback Steve Angeli be ready to go for the Orange football team? Fran Brown offered an update recently about the injury recovery progress for the signal-caller. Angeli did not see action in last month's spring game. Game one of the football season is Sept. 5 at home against New Hampshire. 

--If Angeli is not ready, could the former number one recruit in the country be a productive replacement. Find out more about transfer portal addition Malachi Nelson from this past week. 

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