Baylor head coach Scott Drew responded to criticism surrounding the midseason addition of former NBA draft pick James Nnaji, saying the program will always adapt to put itself in the best position to succeed.
One of the most controversial transfers in recent NCAA history occurred when 21-year-old 2023 NBA second-round draft pick James Nnaji enrolled at Baylor and received four years of eligibility with immediate clearance to play.
The decision sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, as it is virtually unprecedented for a player who has spent multiple years playing professional basketball and has already been drafted into the NBA to return to college competition.
Despite criticism from some big names in college basketball, including legendary coaches like Tom Izzo and John Calipari, Baylor head coach Scott Drew believes they are simply playing by the rules, doing everything possible to put their program in the best position to succeed.
“Until we get to collective bargaining, I don't think we can come up with rules that are agreeable or enforceable,” Drew said via Baylor Bears on SicEm365.
“We're always going to adapt to put our program in the best position to be successful,” he added.
In the 2023 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons selected Nnaji with the 31st pick, at the very start of the second round. His draft rights were traded multiple times before ultimately remaining with the New York Knicks, for whom he played in the Summer League this season, averaging 3.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in five games.
Two years later, Nnaji is set to receive four years of eligibility to play in college, even though the Knicks still hold his draft rights.
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