The NCAA has stated it will not grant college eligibility to players who have signed NBA contracts, following backlash over Baylor University's midseason addition of 2023 draft pick James Nnaji. The 21-year-old Nigerian center, selected 31st overall by the Detroit Pistons, never signed an NBA deal and is eligible to play for the Bears. NCAA President Charlie Baker emphasized the need for discretion amid evolving recruitment practices and legal challenges.
On December 24, 2024, Baylor University announced the signing of James Nnaji, a 7-foot center from Nigeria who was drafted 31st overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2023. His draft rights were subsequently traded to Boston, Charlotte, and most recently the New York Knicks in October 2024 as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns deal. Nnaji, who has played professionally in Europe with FC Barcelona since 2020 and appeared in NBA Summer League games, has never been on an NBA roster or signed a standard NBA or two-way contract. The NCAA granted him four years of eligibility, allowing a potential debut in Baylor's Big 12 opener against TCU on Saturday.
The move sparked criticism from college coaches, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in eligibility rules amid the rise of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and transfers from professional leagues. Michigan State's Tom Izzo expressed surprise, stating, "If that's what we're gonna do, shame on the NCAA. Shame on the coaches, too. But shame on the NCAA." Arkansas' John Calipari called for clearer rules, noting, "If your name is in that draft and you got drafted, you can’t play, because that’s our rule. But that’s only for American kids." UConn's Dan Hurley also sought guidelines, describing the situation as lacking rules.
In response, NCAA President Charlie Baker issued a statement on December 30, 2025, in Indianapolis, clarifying: "The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any prospective or returning student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract (including a two-way contract)." He added that the association is exercising discretion for players with international experience to avoid disadvantaging those from American leagues, noting long-standing rules allowing midyear enrollment for those without prior college play. Baker also addressed ongoing lawsuits, calling recent court decisions "wildly destabilizing" and pledging to work with Division I leaders to protect college basketball.
Baylor coach Scott Drew defended the signing, pointing to other international players like Kansas State's Nastja Claessens, a 2024 WNBA draft pick averaging 10.6 points. He said, "Until we get to collective bargaining, I don’t think we can come up with rules that are agreeable or enforceable." Similar cases include former G League players Thierry Darlan at Santa Clara and London Johnson at Louisville, as well as Kentucky's Andrija Jelavić, who played professionally in Serbia without an NBA contract. Reports suggest players like Trentyn Flowers, who has appeared in two NBA games, may explore college options, though Baker's statement aims to draw a firm line.
