Amari Bailey Seeks Historic NCAA Return After NBA Games

Amari Bailey, a 21-year-old former UCLA guard who played 10 games in the NBA for the Charlotte Hornets, is working to return to college basketball. He has hired a lawyer and an agent to seek NCAA eligibility for one more season, aiming to become the first player to do so after NBA regular-season appearances. This effort comes as he trains in Southern California and talks with possible college programs.

Background

Bailey first made his mark at UCLA during the 2022-23 season. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He shot 49.5% from the field, 38.9% from three-point range, and 69.8% from the free-throw line. His play helped the Bruins reach the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament, and he earned a spot on the All-Pac-12 team.

After that one college season, Bailey entered the 2023 NBA Draft. The Charlotte Hornets picked him in the second round at No. 41 overall. He signed a two-way contract and appeared in 10 games during his rookie year. Those minutes came in the regular season, marking him as a professional player under NCAA rules. Later, he spent two years in the G League with teams linked to the Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Hornets released him over the summer of 2025.

Bailey has thought about returning to college since draft day in 2023. He started serious efforts in 2025. As an 18-year-old freshman at UCLA, he feels he made mistakes and left things unfinished. Now, at 21, he sees himself at a senior level if he gets back in. NCAA rules give players four seasons in a five-year window from their first college enrollment. Bailey still has one year left in that window for the 2026-27 season.

Key Details

Bailey's push tests long-standing NCAA rules. The organization bars anyone who signed an NBA contract from college play, unless the pay only covers basic costs like food, rent, health care, and training. Bailey signed such a contract, so he needs a waiver. His future team would petition the NCAA. If denied, he and his lawyer could sue in court.

His lawyer, Elliot Abrams, has success in these fights. Abrams helped North Carolina football player Tez Walker win eligibility in 2023. He has aided other athletes too. Bailey's team points to uneven NCAA decisions. For example, James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA draft pick, played pro ball in Europe but never in the NBA. He joined Baylor in December without issue. Charles Bediako played two seasons at Alabama, went pro undrafted, spent time in G League, and returned to Alabama recently.

Bailey trains twice a day now. He wants to join a program soon. His agent helps line up options.

NCAA Stance

The NCAA holds firm. Senior Vice President of External Affairs Tim Buckley stated their position clearly.

"The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any players who have signed an NBA contract," Buckley said. "Congress can strengthen NCAA rules so professional athletes cannot sue their way back to competing against college students."

NCAA President Charlie Baker has voiced worries too. He said court rulings like this could cut chances for high school recruits. The group fights a court decision on Bediako's return.

Bailey spoke about his reasons.

"It's not a stunt. I'm really serious about going back. I just want to improve my game, change the perception of me and just show that I can win."

He added,

"Right now I'd be a senior in college. I'm not trying to be 27 years old playing college athletics. No shade to the guys that do; that's their journey. But I went to go play professionally and learned a lot, went through a lot. So, like, why not me?"

Abrams questioned the rules' fairness.

"You've got a college-aged kid who wants to go to college, and you've got a system that says, 'Too bad, you've gone to a different league so you're out forever.' I don't see any real justification for it."

What This Means

Bailey's case could change college sports. No basketball player has returned after NBA games before. Success might open doors for others who tried the pros young and want another college shot. It challenges the line between pro and college ball, grown blurry with name, image, and likeness deals and transfer rules.

A win for Bailey would spotlight his 10 NBA games. Those came mostly off the bench, with limited minutes. His team argues brief pro time should not end college options forever, especially at his age. Failure keeps the status quo, protecting spots for new recruits but blocking returns.

Legal battles like this strain NCAA resources. Courts have ruled against them before on eligibility. Congress watches too, with talks of new laws to clarify rules. Bailey's story draws eyes because of his UCLA past and draft status. Programs might recruit him for his skills and experience. He averaged double figures as a freshman and brings G League polish.

Fans see a trend. More players bounce between levels now. Nnaji and Bediako set examples, though neither played NBA games. Bailey's ask goes further. If approved, his new team gains a guard who knows pro speed. At 21, he fits college age. Rejection sends him to other pro paths, maybe overseas or G League again.

Talks with schools continue. No team named yet. The NCAA waiver process takes time. Court fights add months. Bailey stays ready, working out daily. His push tests if 10 NBA games lock a player out for life or if rules bend for development.