James Nnaji’s Baylor Signing Sparks College Basketball Debate

James Nnaji, a 7-foot center from Nigeria drafted 31st overall by the New York Knicks in 2023, joined Baylor University on Christmas Eve 2025 after the NCAA cleared him to play. This move made him the first men's basketball player ever selected in the NBA draft to later suit up for a college team. The decision came as Baylor dealt with injuries and aimed to strengthen its roster midseason. It set off arguments across college basketball about rules for players with pro backgrounds.

Background

Nnaji grew up in Nigeria and moved to Europe as a teen to play professionally. He joined FC Barcelona's youth system and later their senior team. In 2023, at age 19, the Knicks picked him in the second round. He played in NBA Summer League for the Charlotte Hornets that year but never signed a full NBA contract. After that, he bounced between teams in Spain and dealt with back surgery that slowed him down.

Still just 21, Nnaji had not gone to college in the U.S. before. NCAA rules give players five years from high school graduation to use their eligibility. He fell within that window. Baylor coach Scott Drew and general manager Jason Smith reached out to Nnaji's agent in October 2025. The agent also represents former Baylor star Jeremy Sochan. They filed paperwork with the NCAA, and on December 24, clearance came through.

Baylor started Big 12 play 0-3 with two big men out for the season and another sidelined. Drew saw Nnaji as a fit to fill those gaps. The team announced the signing that day, and Nnaji arrived in Waco, Texas, soon after. He is still settling in, with no furniture in his apartment yet and wary of the local streets.

Key Details

The backlash hit fast. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo called it a shame on the NCAA. Kentucky's John Calipari questioned players from Europe entering college hoops. UConn's Dan Hurley posted on social media about midseason additions feeling off. Fans booed Nnaji in his debut at TCU. His Instagram filled with negative messages after he turned it back on.

Coaches Weigh In

Drew defended the move by pointing to Baylor's needs. He noted other schools had added players with pro experience, like Santa Clara's Thierry Darlan and Louisville's London Johnson, both with G League time.

"If you're coaching a team, aren't you going to add the best player you can add that fits your program? That's what we did." – Scott Drew, Baylor coach

Izzo had criticized similar cases earlier, saying the NCAA fears lawsuits. NCAA rules bar pros who took more than actual expenses like meals or travel. But lines blur with recent clearances for players earning six figures overseas or in G League.

Nnaji averages 2.5 points and 4.3 rebounds off the bench. He is recovering from surgery and not dominating games. The Knicks still hold his rights and could call him up anytime.

"OK, I got drafted, but I know many people that we played against in Europe and they're all here living the same life. So why am I getting so much hate from the people?" – James Nnaji

His agent expected some pushback but not this level. Nnaji says he followed rules and wants to help Baylor while getting better.

What This Means

Nnaji's case highlights cracks in NCAA eligibility rules. It follows clearances for players like Darlan, who got $40,000, and Johnson, with a $1.1 million deal. Coaches worry this opens doors for NBA or two-way players to return for name, image and likeness money. NCAA president Charlie Baker said NBA players won't get cleared, but court rulings have forced changes before on pay and other issues.

Drew called for collective bargaining to fix things. He said most coaches agree on changes, but legal threats drive NCAA decisions now. Without a deal, programs will keep testing edges. Baylor sits mid-pack in the Big 12, and Nnaji's role stays small so far.

The debate touches fairness. Some see imbalance with experienced pros facing freshmen. Others note rules apply the same to U.S. and international players. Nnaji represents a shift: elite talents with pro resumes now in college uniforms. His story shows how fast rules evolve under pressure. Schools scout similar paths for roster boosts. Fans and coaches watch if more follow. Nnaji focuses on games ahead, tuning out noise to play his position.