A Controversial Return to College Basketball

James Nnaji, a 21-year-old center who was selected in the 2023 NBA Draft, made his debut for Baylor University on Saturday. However, his appearance on the college basketball court was met with strong disapproval from fans.

Nnaji, who was granted NCAA eligibility to play for Baylor last month, entered the game against TCU with 11:59 remaining in the first half. From the moment he stepped onto the court, the crowd at Schollmaier Arena responded with boos. These jeers continued each time Nnaji had possession of the ball.

In the game, Nnaji played for 17 minutes and contributed five points and four rebounds before fouling out. The Bears ultimately lost the game 69-63.

Coach’s Perspective on the Decision

Baylor head coach Scott Drew explained that the team had anticipated adding a player mid-season due to several key injuries. He mentioned that the decision to bring in Nnaji was based on the need for additional depth.

“We knew that we were probably going to add somebody at the beginning of the semester because of season-ending injuries,” Drew said before the game on TNT. “And James ended up working out, so we’re very excited to have another healthy body.”

Drew has been a vocal supporter of Nnaji’s return to college basketball and the NCAA’s decision to grant him eligibility. He emphasized that Nnaji did nothing wrong and that the situation was entirely within the rules.

“As a head coach to one of the players, James did nothing wrong, Baylor did nothing wrong, and I know he’s human,” Drew said after the game. “And again, if James was an NBA player today, he would be in the NBA.”

Why Nnaji Was Allowed to Play

The reason Nnaji was able to return to college basketball is due to the fact that he was never signed by an NBA team. Although he was chosen by the Hornets with the No. 31 pick in the 2023 draft, Nnaji opted to continue his career overseas, playing for FC Barcelona and splitting last season between Spain and Turkey.

His draft rights were later acquired by the Knicks in a three-team trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns. Last summer, Nnaji joined the Knicks’ summer league team, averaging 3.2 points and 3.6 rebounds over five games.

Nnaji’s agent, Gerard Raventos, expressed hope that a deal could be reached after the summer league. “Hopefully after [the summer league], we can reach an agreement,” he said. “That’s the plan, from both sides. It’s 50/50, it depends how he does. He’s coming in great shape. … Everything will be based on his performances in the Summer League.”

Criticism from Coaches

Despite Nnaji’s potential, his return to the NCAA has sparked controversy. Arkansas head coach John Calipari criticized the decision, expressing concern about its impact on high school athletes.

“Does anybody care what this is doing for 17- and 18-year-old American kids? Do you know what this opportunity has done for them and their families?” Calipari asked reporters. “There aren’t going to be any high school kids.”

Calipari also questioned why coaches would continue recruiting high school players if they could instead bring in older, professional players. “I get so much satisfaction out of coaching young kids and seeing them grow and make it — and their family and life changes — that I’m going to keep doing it. But why would anybody else, if you can get NBA players, G League players, guys that are 28 years old, guys from Europe?”