Another name adds to the list of longevity in college basketball with a new announcement. Optimizing the red shirt eligibility rule, a few have stayed beyond the average ‘4 seasons 5 years’. Players like Jalan West and Seth Towns have exceeded the number to log in at 7 or 8 years. Now, after seeking a medical hardship waiver, a Texas Tech forward, Devan Cambridge, joins the likes for a possible 7th year. But not every fan is on board.

On Friday, the former Auburn Tiger announced he was entering a transfer portal yet again, after seeking a medical hardship waiver for the second time.

Cambridge started off his college basketball career at Auburn. The forward came off the bench for his entire first year, before gradually earning a starting spot in his sophomore year. At the end of his junior year, Devan Cambridge entered the transfer portal and took his talents to Arizona State. During his sole year at ASU, the wing thrived. The Sun Devils made it to the NCAA tournament before getting eliminated in the second round. Cambridge started in all the games he played, barring one, and averaged nearly 10 points a game.

His second transfer happened prior to the 2023-24 season. Cambridge went to the Texas Tech Red Raiders as a fifth-year senior, where he unfortunately sustained an injury to his knee. The injury meant that Devan was able to apply for, and attain, a medical hardship waiver. This gave him yet another year of eligibility. Cambridge made a return as a Red Raider this year, but he just didn’t look the same. Seemingly, with the lingering effects of the injury, he played very few games, and started in even fewer, before entering the transfer portal for the third time.

“Devan is seeking a medical hardship waiver and is no longer with the team. We are thankful for his contributions to our basketball program,” Grant McCasland, the head coach of the Red Raiders, had said in an official release in December.

Devan Cambridge is certainly in a unique position. A seventh year of eligibility, if granted, would put him in the company of those like Alan Bowman. Fans, however, are taking this announcement in a humorous manner.

“It’s over,” Fans say to 7th year college player

When this news made its rounds in the NCAA Twitter community, no one really knew what to make of it. Some fans are supporting his endeavor to maximize his college eligibility, while others are not reacting kindly.

“damn 7 years? someone get him a job application” a fan said on X. Cambridge had entered his college career back in 2019-20, about the same recruiting class as Anthony Edwards. Watching the forward still continue while numerous turn pro just a year into college — thanks to NBA’s eligibility criteria — has fans sour.

“get ready to learn LinkedIn buddy,” another wrote. Cambridge averages 7.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists throughout a 141 games he has played in his college career. His best year came with the Sun Devils, averaging 9.8 points. Though he showed promise the next year, a reported ACL tear in his knee proved a hindrance. Fans seem to have lost hope for the near-24-year-old. “Go get your CDL… it’s over,” one more penned.

However, there were many who understood his plight and his intentions too. “S–t if he getting paid and is able to play college basketball I can’t even hate,” said an X user. Athletes are earning millions of dollars in NIL deals, so staying in college is pretty lucrative in today’s day and age. Cambridge himself has a 125k followers on his social media, making for a few fair deals.

“He’s a baller hopefully he back healthy and wish him much success #wreckem,” said another fan. Overall, the reception to his announcement was mixed. But, as suggested, it is not like he would be the first to play a 7th year. Seems like Cambridge is just set on exploring his potential. Will he succeed?