Baylor has landed former 2023 NBA Draft pick James Nnaji, a move that’s sparking debate about the future of college basketball and the impact of the transfer portal. The 21-year-old, 7-foot center is immediately eligible to play for the Bears, filling a crucial frontcourt need.
A New Era for College Hoops?
The addition of a professionally-experienced player raises questions about the evolving landscape of NCAA basketball.
- James Nnaji was drafted by the NBA in 2023 but never signed a contract.
- He most recently played for Yukatel Merkezefendi in Turkey, averaging 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds.
- Baylor gains an immediately eligible big man to address injuries within their frontcourt.
- Michigan State coach Tom Izzo voiced strong concerns about the implications of this trend for the future of college basketball.
Nnaji, who was never signed to an NBA contract, spent time with Yukatel Merkezefendi in Turkey on loan from FC Barcelona. He averaged 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds during his time with the Turkish club. Prior to that, he and Barcelona mutually agreed to part ways after the 2024-25 season, and he participated in the Knicks’ 2025 Summer League.
Baylor will benefit from Nnaji’s presence as they navigate injuries to Juslin Bodo Bodo (arm) and Maikcol Perez (ACL). Coach Scott Drew now has a seasoned player to bolster his frontcourt.
“Now we’re taking guys that were drafted in the NBA and everything?,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said, according to a post on X. “I said it to you a month and a half ago – c’mon Magic (Johnson) and Gary (Harris), let’s go baby, let’s do it. Why not? I mean, if that’s what we’re going to, shame on the NCAA. Shame on the coaches, too. But shame on the NCAA, because coaches are gonna do what they gotta do, I guess. But the NCAA is the one. Those people on those committees that are making those decisions to allow something so ridiculous and not think of the kid.”
Izzo emphasized that his concern isn’t about his own program, but about the well-being of the players. “So everybody talks about me thinking of my program or I’m selfish. No. Get that straight, for all of you. I’m thinking of, what is best for my son if he was in that position? And I just don’t agree with it.”
A Call for Reflection
Izzo suggested a widespread discussion among coaches, stating he would like to “poll 360 coaches” to gauge their opinions on the ruling. He previously criticized the transfer portal culture in August.
“Write this one down: It’s gonna get me,” Izzo said. “I’m just not gonna let it bother me. But it’s gonna get me sooner or later. Sooner or later, it’s gonna get me. Not that I’m too stubborn not to ever do anything.”
Izzo also directed his criticism toward NCAA leadership, though he didn’t name the NCAA president directly. “What we’ve done in the NCAA has been an absolute travesty to me,” he stated. “We’re just worried about getting sued and we’re not gonna fight anybody. And I think leadership means you fight and you make decisions that are sometimes unpopular.”
