About two weeks ago, we wondered if this could happen, and now, we're being proven right:

Former Syracuse basketball standout JJ Starling is looking to return to school for a fifth year of eligibility, but he's not looking to play for the Orange again.

As noted by Mike Waters of Syracuse.com, Starling is part of a recent lawsuit that is seeking that fifth year for 50 different student-athletes. As a result of this, Starling has entered the transfer portal with less than three months to go until the start of the regular season.

This is all very layered, so let's reset where all this comes from:

Sometimes called the '5-in-5' rule, this rule gives a player five years to play five seasons in their sport, from the time they enroll in college, or after their 19th birthday, whatever comes first.

For instance, an athlete who goes the traditional US path from high school to college, would get five years to play five seasons.

Should a player sit out, get injured, or redshirt, they are not given an extra year. They will just have four more years of eligibility remaining.

However, if a player enters college after the age of 19, like many Division I hockey players do, they will actively be using up college eligibility before arriving on campus. 

Well, this policy applies to any incoming student-athlete this season, and it also applies to any student-athletes that were freshman through juniors last season.

Think about Kiyan Anthony, for example. Anthony just played his freshman year at Syracuse. As a result of this policy, he now has four more years instead of three, if he wants it.

Well, athletes who came into college with the Class of 2022 and graduated in 2026 were not given this extra year. They simply played four years and left. They are fighting for the fifth year like returning players were given. That's where Starling comes into play.

Preliminary injunctions have tended to side with the players in this case, but the NCAA is fighting to get these decisions revoked. Thus, it's unclear if Starling will actually be able to suit up still.

1) Starling was not drafted in the NBA Draft and did not sign a deal for NBA Summer League. If he has NBA aspirations, this is another opportunity to develop, and he can try the draft again next year.

2) NIL opportunities are greater in college than most other professional jobs that Starling could land, basketball or otherwise, by being out of school.

3) Love of the game, desire to win, and play in the NCAA Tournament.

--Even if Starling is granted another year, he doesn't have to take it. He can play professionally overseas or in the G-League if he wants.

--While Starling may have wanted to return to SU, it looks like Gerry McNamara's roster is full right now.