NCAA tries to clarify NBA stance after Baylor’s addition of 2023 draft pick prompts criticism
December 30, 2025
The NCAA says it won’t grant eligibility to any player who had signed an NBA contract after Baylor’s midseason addition of a 2023 draft pick who had been playing professionally in Europe prompted criticism from coaches across college basketball. The Bears recently signed 7-footer James Nnaji of Nigeria. He was drafted by Detroit before a series of trades that left the 21-year-old’s draft rights with the New York Knicks. The NCAA says players also aren’t eligible if they sign two-way NBA contracts with links to G League affiliates. G League players without NBA contracts have been eligible. International players with varying backgrounds have played college basketball for years.