The college sports world was sent into a frenzy on Wednesday after former Detroit Pistons second-round pick James Nnaji officially committed to Baylor University.
Jonathan Givonoy of Draft Express reports that Nnaji has been granted four years of eligibility by the NCAA. The groundbreaking move paves the way for future draft picks to return to collegiate basketball, but many sports fans are wondering how that could be the case.
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The 21-year-old went 31st in the 2023 Draft to the Pistons before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets and eventually the New York Knicks. Although his rights were involved in these moves, he never actually signed a contract with an NBA team.
This small detail is what allows Nnaji to remain eligible, according to the NCAA. He is eligible to play immediately.
Instead of playing in the NBA after being drafted, Nnaji returned to Europe to continue playing professionally with Spain’s FC Barcelona and eventually Turkey’s Yukatel Merkezefendi.
He also appeared in the 2025 Summer League with the Knicks.
At 7’0″ with a 7’7″ winsgpan, Nnaji is a physical force to be reckoned with in the paint. While many collegiate seven-footers have a leaner and lighter frame, Nnaji weighs 251 pounds and already has a build similar to a young David Robinson.
Nnaji immediately bolsters Baylor’s frontcourt, which has been hampered this season due to injuries. Baylor is still 9-2 so far this season and is now in the center of one of the most consequential stories in college sports.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
