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A former NBA draft pick is heading to college—not just to enroll in classes, but to play. It’s the latest case of a former professional returning to the NCAA.
James Nnaji, who was selected with the No. 31 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, has committed to Baylor, the team announced Wednesday. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express was the first to report the news.
The 21-year-old will be available to play immediately and has four years of eligibility. The aim is for Nnaji to debut Jan. 3 in a Big 12 matchup against TCU, according to The Athletic.
Nnaji was drafted by the Pistons and traded to the Hornets immediately. He was traded again to the Knicks as part of a blockbuster three-team deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York.
The Nigerian center has never played an official NBA or G League game, only a handful of Summer League games with the Hornets. He continued to play professionally in Europe after he was drafted.
According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Knicks will hold the 7-footer’s draft rights despite his decision to play in the NCAA.
Nnaji’s surprising decision puts a spotlight on an increasing number of professional basketball players choosing to go to the NCAA as college sports have continued to operate more like professional leagues in the NIL era. Earlier this year, former G League players Thierry Darlan and Landon Johnson joined Santa Clara and Louisville, respectively.
Earlier this month, former European professional players Toni Bilić (Illinois) and Lucas Langarita (Utah) also joined college teams.
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