Nigerian center James Nnaji made his long-awaited and much-debated U.S. college basketball debut on Saturday, featuring for Baylor University in a 69–63 road loss to Texas Christian University (TCU).
The 21-year-old, who stands at 7 feet (2.13m), joined the Baylor Bears just 10 days earlier after receiving clearance from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), a decision that has sparked widespread debate across the college basketball landscape.
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Selected 31st overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, Nnaji entered the game under intense scrutiny and a hostile atmosphere, with TCU fans booing him whenever he touched the ball.
Despite the reception and limited time on the court, the Nigerian big man showed flashes of his potential, finishing with five points, four rebounds and one assist in just over 16 minutes.
He shot 2-of-3 from the field and made one of his two free-throw attempts.
Before moving to the United States, Nnaji spent several years developing in Europe. He joined Spanish giants Barcelona in 2020, featuring in EuroLeague competitions, and also gained experience through loan spells with other Spanish and Turkish clubs.
Following his NBA Draft selection, he played in NBA Summer League games but never appeared in an official regular-season NBA contest.
Nnaji’s draft rights were initially held by Detroit before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets and later moved to the New York Knicks in a three-team deal in 2024 that saw Karl-Anthony Towns arrive in New York.
The NCAA approved Nnaji’s eligibility on the grounds that he had never played in the NBA, had not previously competed in U.S. college basketball, and was still within the five-year window from his high school graduation.
However, the decision has raised concerns that it could open the door for more professional players to join college teams mid-season.
While the NCAA has stated that players who have signed NBA contracts will remain ineligible, critics fear the issue could ultimately be challenged in court.
The rise of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals—allowing college athletes to earn significant endorsement income—has made college basketball an increasingly attractive option, sometimes rivaling professional opportunities.
Veteran Michigan State coach Tom Izzo was among those who publicly criticized the move, questioning the direction of college basketball governance.
“Now we’re taking guys that were drafted in the NBA. If that’s what we’re going through, shame on the NCAA,” Izzo said. “Coaches are going to do what they’ve got to do, but shame on the NCAA.”
Baylor head coach Scott Drew acknowledged the controversy, revealing he had discussed the situation with Izzo, whom he described as a respected voice in the sport.
“Most coaches are 99% aligned on what we’d like to see with the game,” Drew said. “But until there’s collective bargaining, it’s hard to create rules that are both agreeable and enforceable. Until then, we all have to be ready to adjust.”
For Baylor, the immediate focus remains on integrating Nnaji into the team.
Drew expressed optimism about the Nigerian’s future, citing his international experience and long-term potential.
“James is a really talented young player with a ton of upside,”
Drew said. “Any mid-season addition takes time to adjust, but we’re confident he’ll do everything possible to make the transition smooth for himself and the team.”
Despite the losing debut and surrounding controversy, Nnaji’s arrival adds a new dimension to Baylor’s roster—and places him firmly under the spotlight as one of the most intriguing storylines in college basketball this season.
