James Nnaji, an NBA draft pick, commits to Baylor basketball program
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It’s common for players to announce that they’ll be leaving college for the pros — rather than the other way around.
However, in basketball, a recent report surprised fans with Nigerian center James Nnaji, the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, committing to play at Baylor.
The 7-foot-1 shortstop will be available to play in the second half of the Bears’ season. Open3 Sportsand also qualified for four years of NCAA eligibility.
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FC Barcelona’s James Nnaji in action before the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoff match against Olympiacos Piraeus at Palau Blaugrana on April 24, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball)
How is this possible for someone who not only entered the NBA Draft but was selected in the first round in 2023?
Nnaji never signed an NBA contract. When Nnaji was drafted by the Detroit Pistons, his rights were transferred to the Charlotte Hornets. His rights later transferred to the New York Knicks in Karl-Anthony Towns’ three-team deal.
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Nnaji never appeared in a regular season NBA game, instead deciding to go abroad to continue his professional career. He played for FC Barcelona in Liga ACB in Spain. They mutually parted ways in August.
Nnaji then returned to the Knicks to play in the Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 3.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in five games.
James Nnaji poses at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague FC Barcelona 2023-2024 Media Day on September 20, 2023 in Sant Joan Despi, Spain. (Pau Barrena/Euroleague Basketball)
With the Bears injured in the frontcourt — Maikcol Perez and Justin Bodo Bodo are dealing with injuries — Nnaji will step in and should play significant minutes for Scott Drew’s team at Baylor.
Nnaji was just 18 when he was drafted, and teams really liked his measurables in hopes of developing his talent in the league.
Barcelona’s James Nnaji takes a shot during the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season round 34 match against LDLC Asvel Villeurbanne at LDLC Arena on April 12, 2024 in Lyon, France. (Eurasia Sports Images/Getty Images)
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“Nnaji’s measurability is impressive in terms of his size and length, and while he appears to be some sort of project for the Hornets, he’s a big jumper who can finish above the rim,” said Kyle Boone of CBS Sports. wrote about Nnaji When he was taken away in 2023.
Baylor is currently 9-2 heading into the 2025-26 season.
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