At a Glance
- James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA draft pick, made his Baylor debut at TCU, facing boos and a fourth foul in a 69-63 Big 12 win.
- He was subbed after 4:42 remaining, sparking debate over NCAA eligibility for drafted players.
- The game highlighted tensions between college and professional basketball.
- Why it matters: The incident raises questions about the rules governing players who have been drafted but not yet signed.
FORT WORTH, Texas (News Of Austin) – James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA draft pick, debuted for Baylor in a Big 12 opener against TCU, and was booed each time he touched the ball. He was removed from the game after a fourth foul with 4:42 remaining in a 69-63 win, sparking debate over eligibility rules for drafted players.
Game Overview
Baylor’s 21-year-old Nigerian was subbed after the fourth foul, leaving the Horned Frogs to finish the game. The crowd’s reaction was loud when he tried to protest a call. The incident drew attention from both teams’ coaching staffs.
- Played professionally in Europe for four years.
- Drafted by Detroit at 18, 31st overall, 2½ years ago.
- Draft rights traded to Charlotte and New York.
Eligibility and Rules
The NCAA issued a statement saying players who have signed NBA deals are ineligible, but Nnaji has not signed a contract, giving him four years of eligibility. Baylor’s move prompted the statement, and a handful of players who spent time in the G League without an NBA deal have joined college programs.
| Career Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| European play | 4 years |
| Draft | 31st overall, 2½ years ago |
| Rights | Traded to Charlotte and New York |
| Eligibility | 4 years, no U.S. college yet |
Coaches’ Reactions
Scott Drew said:
> “James did nothing wrong. Baylor did nothing wrong, and I know he’s human and just making sure he doesn’t feel that. If James was an NBA player today, he would be in the NBA.”
Scott Drew added:
> “James is a great young man. Grew up playing piano in the church. Mom’s most excited about his opportunity to get a degree. Brother’s a mechanical engineer. Sister’s trying to get a master’s. I thought he did a great job in a short period of time. He hadn’t played a competitive game in seven months, been recovering from an injury.”
Jamie Dixon joked with Drew, saying:
> “You’re famous now, hhh?”
Jamie Dixon also said:
> “Call it what it is. We have professional basketball with no cap, no draft, no rules, no interpretation. It’s not in writing. You can be as good as you want to be. You’ve seen that in football. You’ve seen it in basketball. Put the resources into it.”
Scott Drew responded to questions about Nnaji’s attention:
> “Good. The fact that he’s excited about going to class and getting a degree and being around guys his age and being in college, that’s exciting for me. It’s just like any parent, you give a Christmas gift and your kid likes it, you’re happy.”
Broader Context
The incident underscores the blurred lines between college and professional basketball, especially with international talent and the influence of name, image and likeness deals. Coaches across the country blame a lack of standards rather than individual coaching decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Nnaji’s debut was marked by boos and a fourth foul, raising eligibility questions.
- The NCAA clarified that signed NBA contracts render players ineligible, but Nnaji has not signed one.
- Coaches highlighted the growing disconnect between college rules and professional realities.
The game serves as a reminder that the evolving landscape of college basketball continues to test the boundaries of player eligibility and fan expectations.
