NCAA Restricts Eligibility for Players Signing NBA Contracts After Baylor Adds James Nnaji
The NCAA has announced that it will not grant eligibility to any player who signs an NBA contract following Baylor University's midseason addition of James Nnaji. Nnaji, a 7-foot Nigerian player aged 21, joined Baylor on December 24, 2025. He was drafted 31st overall by Detroit in 2023, with his rights traded subsequently to Boston, Charlotte, and then the New York Knicks, although he has not yet been on an NBA roster.
The restriction specifically targets players who sign standard NBA contracts or two-way deals with G League affiliates. However, exemptions may apply to players in the G League without NBA contracts or those playing in other professional leagues.
NCAA president Charlie Baker emphasized the use of the bylaw concerning actual and necessary expenses to ensure that players with experience in American leagues are not unfairly disadvantaged. He noted that midyear enrollment has precedent for players who have not had prior college experience.
Baylor coach Scott Drew defended the signing of international players unaffiliated with the NBA playing in college, citing the example of Nastja Claessens, who contributed at the college level. Meanwhile, critics such as Arkansas coach John Calipari have called for a clear rule disqualifying NBA-drafted players from college eligibility. Drew argued that NCAA rules must evolve to adapt to the changing landscape of basketball.
The NCAA linked these eligibility issues to recent court rulings affecting enforcement, highlighting lawsuits such as that of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia as factors destabilizing enforcement of long-standing eligibility rules.
