How Did James Nnaji Play In Baylor Debut After CBB Eligibility Drama?
Bleacher Report••sports
Key Points:
- 2023 NBA draft pick James Nnaji made his Baylor debut in a 69-63 loss to TCU, contributing five points, four rebounds, and one assist in 16 minutes off the bench.
- Nnaji, selected 31st overall in the 2023 NBA draft, never played in the NBA but competed professionally in Europe before enrolling at Baylor on December 24.
- He became the first former NBA draft pick cleared by the NCAA to play college basketball, joining other players eligible despite prior professional affiliations due to not playing in official NBA games.
- Nnaji played for Bàsquet Girona and Yukatel Merkezefendi during the 2024-25 season, averaging 6.1
