Unprecedented Path: Former NBA Draft Pick James Nnaji Now Eligible for Baylor Basketball

WACO, TX – In a development described as unprecedented within college basketball, James Nnaji, a 2023 second-round NBA Draft pick, has officially enrolled at Baylor University and is immediately eligible to compete for the Bears’ men’s basketball team. The significant news, initially reported by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, marks a historic pivot for the 21-year-old Nigerian center, who now transitions from a professional European career to NCAA Division I athletics more than two years after being drafted.

Nnaji, a towering presence listed at 7-feet and 251 pounds with an imposing 7-foot-7 wingspan, brings an unexpected and substantial boost to the Baylor frontcourt. His path to collegiate eligibility, despite being selected 31st overall in the NBA Draft and subsequently playing professionally overseas, represents a complex and rarely seen navigation of NCAA amateurism rules.

The journey that led Nnaji to Waco began on draft night, June 22, 2023. Though selected by the Detroit Pistons as the first pick of the second round (31st overall), his draft rights were immediately traded to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a multi-team deal. His rights were then moved again to the New York Knicks in 2024. Crucially, throughout these transactions, Nnaji never signed an NBA contract. This distinction is paramount to his current NCAA eligibility, as remaining unsigned to an NBA deal preserved a pathway, albeit a convoluted one, to amateur status.

Instead of joining an NBA roster, Nnaji pursued his professional career in Europe, where he had been developing since 2020 with FC Barcelona’s renowned youth and senior programs. His tenure with the Spanish powerhouse saw him gain valuable experience in both Spain’s top-tier Liga ACB and the EuroLeague, widely regarded as the second-highest level of basketball globally after the NBA. For the current 2024-25 season, Nnaji was playing on loan from Barcelona with Yukatel Merkezefendi in Turkey. During his time with the Turkish club, he averaged 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, showcasing his developing interior presence against seasoned professionals. Following the 2024-25 season, Nnaji and FC Barcelona mutually agreed to part ways, making him available for new opportunities. His recent appearance with the New York Knicks in the 2025 NBA Summer League further underscored his continued engagement with the professional basketball ecosystem, even without a formal NBA contract.

Related News :

The physical evolution of Nnaji since his draft year is notable. When he declared for the draft as an 18-year-old, he was measured at 6-feet-11 and 226 pounds. Now, at 21, he stands a full seven feet tall and weighs 251 pounds, indicating significant maturation and physical development during his time in Europe. This added size and strength, combined with his exceptional wingspan, positions him as a formidable presence in the paint.

At the time of his drafting, analysts recognized Nnaji’s raw potential but also identified him as a long-term project. Kyle Boone of CBS Sports noted, "Nnaji’s measurables in terms of his size and length are impressive and he’s a big leaper who can finish above the rim, though he does present as something of a project for the Hornets." This assessment highlighted his athletic gifts and defensive upside but also hinted at areas requiring refinement, particularly on the offensive end and in overall game understanding. His European experience, while professional, has provided a structured environment for this development, honing his skills against high-level competition.

The core of Nnaji’s eligibility hinges on the NCAA’s complex amateurism rules. While playing professionally in Europe would typically render an athlete ineligible for NCAA competition, the key factor in Nnaji’s case is his consistent avoidance of signing an NBA contract. NCAA regulations permit student-athletes to participate in professional sports if they have not signed a contract with a professional team in that sport, beyond certain specified exceptions. For basketball, this specifically refers to NBA or G-League contracts. His European earnings, while substantial by amateur standards, may have been permissible under NCAA interpretations if they did not directly violate amateurism bylaws related to compensation for athletic performance in a manner that would preclude future collegiate play, or if he successfully navigated a reinstatement process by demonstrating a return to amateur status. The NCAA’s approval of his eligibility suggests a unique interpretation or a specific pathway for international players who have not committed to a domestic professional league like the NBA. This decision sets a novel precedent for drafted players electing to pursue a collegiate career.

Baylor’s decision to bring Nnaji aboard comes at a critical juncture for the program. The Bears, currently holding a respectable 9-2 record this season, have faced significant challenges in their frontcourt due to injuries. Two expected contributors, Juslin Bodo Bodo and Maikcol Perez, have been sidelined with long-term ailments. Bodo Bodo is recovering from an arm injury, while Perez is out for the season with an ACL tear. These absences have left Coach Scott Drew’s squad with limited depth and experience in the paint, often forcing smaller lineups or relying heavily on a few key big men.

Nnaji’s arrival directly addresses this pressing need for size, rebounding, and interior defense. His 7-foot frame and 7-foot-7 wingspan provide an immediate rim-protecting presence that can alter shots, deter drives, and secure defensive rebounds. Offensively, he projects as a potent pick-and-roll threat, a lob target, and an efficient finisher around the basket, complementing Baylor’s guard-heavy attack and perimeter shooting. His experience against professional competition in Europe suggests a level of maturity and understanding of high-level basketball that could allow him to acclimate quickly to the physicality and strategic demands of the Big 12 Conference.

Coach Scott Drew has a well-established track record of developing big men, turning raw talent into impactful collegiate players and NBA prospects. The addition of Nnaji could transform Baylor’s outlook for the remainder of the season, bolstering their chances in the fiercely competitive Big 12 and enhancing their aspirations for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. With conference play looming, Nnaji’s integration could be pivotal for Baylor’s pursuit of another Big 12 title.

Beyond Baylor’s immediate needs, Nnaji’s unprecedented journey carries broader implications for college basketball. His case could serve as a unique blueprint for other international players who are drafted by the NBA but opt not to sign a contract, providing an alternative route to professional development through the NCAA system. It also highlights the evolving landscape of amateurism rules, particularly for athletes with complex international professional backgrounds. For Nnaji himself, a successful season at Baylor could significantly improve his stock, potentially positioning him for a higher selection in a future NBA Draft after showcasing his abilities on a national stage against top collegiate talent.

In essence, James Nnaji’s enrollment at Baylor is more than just a roster addition; it is a fascinating case study in athlete development, NCAA rule interpretation, and strategic career navigation, promising to be one of the most intriguing stories of the current college basketball season.