St. John’s went all out to secure one of the top college basketball players remaining in the NBA Draft as of the withdrawal deadline day, and they got the job done – but literally at what cost?
Tounde Yessoufou withdrew from the NBA Draft and joined up with the St. John’s Red Storm for the 2026-27 college basketball season, and while fans have been celebrating Rick Pitino’s stunning capture of the former Baylor star, a new report might have some fans wondering if this was the right move.
A report claiming that Pitino and co had to dish out upwards of $7 Million has sent ripples through the CBB world, with fans either calling it false or questioning if this was even worth it despite St. John’s securing one of the strongest players in the game today.
“How’s this possible? Where’s this money coming from?,” a curious fan questioned.
“No chance he got 7 mil,” a fan outrightly said.
“Does someone really want someone who just chases the bag,” another fan questioned.
“What could Dybantsa have gotten at the college level?,” another fan asked.
“Insane overpay if true,” one simply said.
Where is the Money Coming From?
While the $7 Million figure will undoubtedly need more literature to support it, the broader question about how college programs in 2026 can afford a player demanding such a massive amount is still a very relevant question.
The truth is that in the NIL era, no amount of money is unachievable if an athlete is good enough. This is perhaps the biggest reason that players are choosing to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to college despite having a decent chance of being first round picks.
The rev-share changes and more support for athletes, with programs now investing heavily to stay competitive means there’s more money around, and plenty more to make.
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