The NCAA has cleared 21-year-old center James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA draft pick whose rights are held by the New York Knicks, to join Baylor University's basketball team midseason. Never having signed an NBA contract or played in the G League, the 7-foot Nigerian with pro experience in Europe fills a critical frontcourt need for the 9-2 Bears and exemplifies evolving rules drawing criticism from coaches like Tom Izzo.
Baylor University announced on December 24, 2025, the signing of James Nnaji, drafted 31st overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2023 NBA Draft. His rights were traded to the Charlotte Hornets and later to the New York Knicks in the Karl-Anthony Towns deal. At 251 pounds with a 7-foot-7 wingspan, Nnaji spent three seasons professionally in Europe, including with FC Barcelona in the EuroLeague and loans in Spain and Turkey. He appeared in the 2025 NBA Summer League for the Knicks (3.2 points, 3.6 rebounds per game) but never signed a standard NBA contract or played G League regular-season games, preserving his NCAA eligibility.
The NCAA's approval marks a rare exception allowing a former pro and draftee to compete collegiately. Nnaji is the first NBA draftee in decades—and the first years after selection—to join a college roster. Earlier this year, the NCAA granted two years of eligibility to Thierry Darlan after his G League stint (5.9 points, 4.0 rebounds per game).
The move addresses Baylor's frontcourt crisis after Juslin Bodo Bodo's season-ending arm injury, with no rotation player over 6-foot-9. Currently 9-2, the Bears expect Nnaji to debut soon, possibly against Arlington Baptist on December 29. Coach Scott Drew said, "James is a really talented young player with a ton of potential, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Baylor family. Any time you add someone to the roster midseason, it’s going to be a process to get them acclimated and up to speed, but we know James will do everything he can to make it a seamless transition."
This reflects a broader trend of ex-pros joining programs like Louisville, BYU, Utah, and Oklahoma. Critics, including Michigan State's Tom Izzo, decry it as "embarrassing" and "ridiculous." "If we want to make it pro ball, then let’s make it pro ball," Izzo said, arguing it disadvantages young American players, favors 23-year-olds over 18-year-olds, and contributes to veteran coaches' retirements like Jay Wright and Mike Krzyzewski. He also flagged loopholes for NBA two-way contract players seeking NIL deals. An NCAA spokesperson noted each case is evaluated individually amid ongoing legal challenges.
