James Nnaji, a 21-year-old Nigerian center who was selected in the 2023 NBA Draft but approved to play US college basketball, made his controversial debut on Sunday.
Ten days after signing with Baylor University, 7-foot (2.13m) Nnaji played his first US college game for the Bears in a 69-63 loss at Texas Christian University.
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Nnaji, booed by TCU fans whenever he touched the ball in just over 16 minutes on the court, shot 2-of-3 from the floor and 1-of-2 from the free throw line for five points with four rebounds and an assist for the Waco, Texas-based school.
Nnaji had been with Barcelona since 2020 and played for them in Euroleague contests and was also loaned out to Spanish and Turkish sides.
He was chosen by Detroit with the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and played in Summer League contests but never in an official NBA game.
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Nnaji’s rights were traded to Charlotte, which traded them in 2024 to New York as part of a three-team deal that brought Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approved Nnaji because he met rules by having not played in the NBA nor for another college and was within a five-year window of his high school graduation.
Three former players in the NBA developmental G-League were also approved for colleges this season but there is fear Nnaji will start a trend of mid-season college signings of professionals.
While NCAA officials said players who have signed NBA contracts will not be eligible, the matter could eventually be decided in court.
Colleges have become an attractive option in recent years with the advent of NIL deals – name, image and likeness rights for sponsorship dollars that can eclipse some pro deals.
Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo, who has guided Michigan State for 30 years, was among several college coaches who criticised Nnaji’s signing.
“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.
“Shame on the coaches, too. But shame on the NCAA, because coaches are going to do what they’ve got to do.”
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Baylor coach Scott Drew said he spoke with Izzo about the situation, calling it a “great conversation” with a coach he respects.
“Most coaches are 99% aligned on things we’d like to see get done with our game,” Drew said.
“At the same time, from my knowledge, until we get to collective bargaining, I don’t think we can come up with rules that are agreeable and enforceable.
“Until that, I think all of us have to be ready to adjust and adapt to what’s out there.”
For now, what’s on the court for Baylor is a young man with a wealth of international experience and a chance to make a splash in a prime proving ground for NBA talent.
“James is a really talented young player with a ton of potential, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Baylor family,” Drew said.
“Any time you add someone to the roster mid-season, it’s going to be a process to get them acclimated and up to speed, but we know James will do everything he can to make it a seamless transition.
“Our immediate focus is on helping him take things step by step to ensure it’s best for both him and the team when he’s able to take the court.”
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