In a move that has ignited fierce debate across American college basketball, Nigerian centre James Nnaji has made his controversial debut for Baylor University. The 21-year-old, who stands at an imposing 7 feet (2.13 metres), took to the court just ten days after signing with the school, marking an unprecedented path from professional European leagues and the NBA Draft to the NCAA.
The Debut and The Backstory
James Nnaji played for over 16 minutes in Baylor's 69-63 loss to Texas Christian University (TCU) on Saturday. Whenever he touched the ball, he was met with boos from the opposing TCU fans. Despite the hostile reception, he managed to contribute five points, shooting 2-of-3 from the field and 1-of-2 from the free-throw line, alongside grabbing four rebounds and dishing out an assist.
Nnaji's journey to this point is highly unusual. He was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. His draft rights were later involved in trades, moving to the Charlotte Hornets and then to the New York Knicks in 2024 as part of a three-team deal for Karl-Anthony Towns. Although he participated in NBA Summer League games, Nnaji never played an official NBA regular-season game.
Prior to the draft, the young Nigerian built his resume in Europe, playing for FC Barcelona in the EuroLeague from 2020 and also going on loan to clubs in Spain and Turkey.
NCAA Rule Change Sparks Controversy
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approved Nnaji's eligibility because he met specific criteria: he had not played in an official NBA game, had not previously played for another US college, and was within a five-year window of his high school graduation. This ruling has opened the door for other professionals, with three former NBA G-League players also gaining college eligibility this season.
However, the decision has drawn significant criticism from prominent figures within college basketball. There is a growing fear that Nnaji's signing could start a trend of mid-season college acquisitions of professional players, disrupting competitive balance.
Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo of Michigan State University was particularly vocal. "Now we're taking guys that were drafted in the NBA. If that's what we're going through, shame on the NCAA," Izzo stated. "Shame on the coaches, too. But shame on the NCAA, because coaches are going to do what they've got to do."
Baylor's Stance and The Future
Baylor coach Scott Drew addressed the situation, revealing he had a conversation with Coach Izzo. Drew acknowledged the complexities, stating that until collective bargaining establishes new rules, coaches must adapt to the evolving landscape. "I think all of us have to be ready to adjust and adapt to what's out there," Drew said.
For Baylor, the immediate focus is on integrating a player with valuable international experience. "James is a really talented young player with a ton of potential, and we're excited to welcome him to the Baylor family," Drew commented. He emphasised that the integration process would be step-by-step to ensure it benefits both Nnaji and the team.
The controversy highlights the changing dynamics of college sports, driven in part by new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules that allow athletes to earn sponsorship money, making colleges an increasingly attractive option even for those with professional experience. While the NCAA has stated that players who have signed NBA contracts remain ineligible, the legal and regulatory framework surrounding these cases is likely to be tested further in court.
