What does James Nnaji's eligibility mean -- now and for the future?

"While Nnaji never played in an official NBA game, the 31st overall pick in the 2023 draft did participate in that year's Summer League, and was later part of the three-team trade that brought Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks (the Knicks still own Nnaji's draft rights). Now, after playing the past couple years in Europe, Nnaji could suit up for Baylor as soon as this Saturday when the Bears travel to TCU."

"Ultimately, Nnaji is just the latest example in a growing trend of professional basketball players opting to pursue college basketball due to the lucrative opportunities that come with revenue sharing and NIL. How did we get here? And what could happen next? ESPN's college basketball reporters Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf break down the biggest talking points."

"While Nnaji's situation is unprecedented in men's college basketball, there is precedent on the women's side: Nastja Claessens was the 30th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft and is now playing for Kansas State. Nnaji checks a lot of the same boxes as Claessens: He never previously enrolled in college, spending the last five years with the FC Barcelona organization;"

James Nnaji, the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA draft, was cleared by the NCAA and signed with Baylor on Christmas Eve. He never played in an official NBA game, appeared in the 2023 Summer League, and was later involved in a three-team trade that left the Knicks holding his draft rights. Nnaji spent the past couple years playing in Europe and could suit up for Baylor immediately. The move fits a growing trend of professional players pursuing college basketball for revenue-sharing and NIL opportunities. There is a precedent in the women’s game with Nastja Claessens.

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