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It’s common for players to announce that they’re heading to the pros after leaving college, not the other way around.
But a recent report in basketball has fans confused because Nigerian center James Nnaji, the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, has committed to play at Baylor.
The 7-foot center will be able to play the second half of the Bears’ season, according to On3 Sports, in addition to receiving four years of NCAA eligibility.
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James Nnaji of FC Barcelona in action during warm-up before Game 1 of the 2023/2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos Piraeus at Palau Blaugrana on April 24, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball)
How is this possible for someone who not only declared for the NBA draft, but was selected in the first round in 2023?
Well, Nnaji never signed an NBA contract. When he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons, Nnaji had his rights traded to the Charlotte Hornets. Then, as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns three-team contract, his rights were transferred to the New York Knicks.
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Nnaji never appeared in an NBA regular season game, but instead decided to go overseas to continue his professional career. He played for FC Barcelona in Liga ACB in Spain. They separated in August.
Then, Nnaji returned to the Knicks to play Summer League in Las Vegas, where he averaged 3.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in five games.
James Nnaji poses during FC Barcelona’s 2023/2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Media Day on September 20, 2023, in Sant Joan Despi, Spain. (Pau Barrena/Euroleague Basketball)
With the Bears dealing with injuries in the frontcourt – Maikcol Perez and Justin Bodo Bodo are both injured – Nnaji will come in and should play significant minutes for Scott Drew’s team at Baylor.
Nnaji was only 18 years old when he was drafted and teams really valued his measurables in hopes of developing his talent into the league.
James Nnaji of Barcelona takes a shot during Game 34 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season between LDLC Asvel Villeurbanne and FC Barcelona at LDLC Arena on April 12, 2024, in Lyon, France. (Eurasia Sports Images/Getty Images)
“Nnaji’s measurables in terms of size and length are impressive and he’s a big jumper who can finish above the rim, although he figures to be something of a project for the Hornets,” CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone wrote of Nnaji when he was taken in 2023.
Baylor is currently 9-2 to start the 2025-26 season.
