Idiaru Returns to Court After Lymphoma Treatment

Columbus State's 6-foot-10 Promise Idiaru is back practicing after treatment for stage 4 B-cell lymphoma.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a single basketball player driving toward a hoop on an indoor court, navy and cream colors, brushed motion and blank backboard. — Columbus State guard Promise Idiaru is back practicing with the team after treatment for stage 4 B-cell lymphoma, and has been granted an extra year of eligibility. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Columbus State basketball player Promise Idiaru returned to the court after treatment for stage 4 B-cell lymphoma, a diagnosis that ended his senior season. He has been granted an additional year of eligibility and is participating in practice with the team.

Why it matters

Idiaru's return shows a path back to competition after a serious cancer diagnosis, and the extra year of eligibility gives him the chance to play beyond the season his illness cut short. His progress is a milestone for him and for the Columbus community that follows the program.

Idiaru stands 6-foot-10 and was granted an additional year of eligibility after the diagnosis ended his senior season. The source does not provide game statistics or a timeline for his first competitive appearance since returning.

The players

Promise Idiaru

Promise Idiaru is a 6-foot-10 Columbus State basketball player who is returning to the court after treatment for stage 4 B-cell lymphoma.

Robert Moore

Robert Moore is the men's basketball coach at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia.

The details

Idiaru was diagnosed with stage 4 B-cell lymphoma, a diagnosis that ended his senior season, yet he attended practice the day he received it. He has since rung a bell marking a milestone in his treatment, with his mother and supporters present, and is now practicing with Columbus State under coach Robert Moore.

Idiaru received his diagnosis during his senior season, which ended as a result.
Idiaru was later granted an additional year of eligibility.
Idiaru rang a bell marking a treatment milestone during his cancer care.
The article about his return to court was published on November 1, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Idiaru's extra year of eligibility follows NCAA practice of extending eligibility for athletes whose seasons were interrupted by medical circumstances. His return to practice shifts the outlook for Columbus State's roster as he prepares to play beyond the season his diagnosis cut short.

Idiaru's additional year of eligibility means he can compete in a season beyond the one his diagnosis ended, which affects Columbus State's roster planning. Fans following the program can track his return to game action as he resumes competition.

The takeaway

Idiaru's return shows that a serious cancer diagnosis does not have to end an athlete's career, especially when eligibility rules allow for an extra season. Following athletes through medical setbacks offers a reminder of how much support and time recovery can require.