The decision by Baylor University to enroll former National Basketball Association (NBA) draft, James Nnaji into their collegiate squad has been declared as legally binding by the team’s coach, Scott Drew.
While many opponents and NBA zealots insist Nnaji should not be cleared for collegiate games, considering that he has played at the highest level in the past, Drew insists the Nigerian-born lad never signed a professional contract.
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Sports247 recalls that Michigan State coach, Tom Izzo rejected the deal when Baylor formally announced their signing of Nnaji, who was 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The 21-year-old Nnaji, a 7-foot centre, was granted immediate eligibility as a mid-season addition and will have four years of eligibility remaining, considering that he never actually played in the NBA or the developmental G-League.
However, Izzo pointed out that Nnaji did appear in five NBA Summer League Games for New York Knicks in July and played professionally overseas last season.
He was also part of a three-team trade that shipped Karl-Anthony Towns to The Knicks for Julius Randle to Minnesota Timberwolves in October 2024.
Despite these facts, Drew countered that NCAA rules allow basketball players to make a case for college eligibility if they maintain amateur status five years or less removed from high school graduation.
He further pointed out that NCAA allows the registration of players who are out of high school, did not enter the NBA Draft or never signed any contract with a professional team despite showing an intention to do so.
Nnaji’s gaffer added: “Most coaches are 99% aligned on things that we would like to see done with our game.
“Until we get to collective bargaining, I don’t think we can come up with rules that are agreeably enforceable. I think all of us got to be ready to adjust and adapt to what’s out there.”
