James Nnaji, the No. 31 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, is going back to school. NCAA officials cleared the 21-year-old to play for Baylor this season, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.
The move has raised eyebrows around the college sports landscape. Before the current era of name, image and likeness, it was unheard of for a former professional to return to the NCAA level.
Nnaji played professionally for Barcelona from 2020 through 2025.
He was selected by the Detroit Pistons in 2023. The club later traded his draft rights as part of a three-team deal that sent All-Star Karl Anthony-Towns to the New York Knicks.
Nnaji has played with the Knicks and Charlotte Hornets’ Summer League squads but has not made his NBA debut.
The seven-footer from Nigeria will be eligible to suit up for Baylor immediately.
The college basketball landscape is still learning to accept the news.
“Santa Claus is delivering midseason acquisitions,” UConn coach Dan Hurley wrote on X.
Several former professionals have returned to college basketball this season.
NCAA officials already approved the eligibility of former G League teammates Thierry Darlan and London Johnson — who played together in the NBA’s developmental league — earlier this year.