How James Nnaji and Charles Bediako Signal a Shift in Eligibility Rules
An Unprecedented Return to College Basketball
Many college basketball coaches have criticized Baylor head coach, Scott Drew, for his decision to recruit James Nnaji, and its conflict with the principles of college athletics.[2] Nnaji was drafted 31st in the 2023 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons. [3] His rights were immediately traded to the Charolotte Hornets, and later to the New York Knicks, with whom he played in the Summer League in 2025, which is an exhibition tournament for rookies and other young player.[4] Between being drafted and signing with the Baylor Bears in December 2025, Nnaji played four seasons in the EuroLeague, while never signing an NBA contract.[5] While it is agreed that coaches should act in pursuance of improving their teams’ rosters and chances of success, signing a drafted player is unprecedented.[6]
After Baylor’s signing, NCAA president Charlie Baker released a statement regarding the permissibility of formerly drafted players returning to college basketball.[7] In his statement, Baker clarified that players who have signed any type of NBA contract will not be eligible to compete in the NCAA.[8] While some coaches consider this a loophole in the system that violates the NCAA’s mission, others have spoken out against it.[9] Tom Izzo, Michigan State’s head basketball coach, criticized this move for its potential to take opportunities away from younger players who have worked for Division I offers, but will be inevitably outclassed by 24-25 year old professional athletes.[10] John Calipari, Arkansas’s head basketball coach, expressed similar sentiment, agreeing that the ethics of this practice do not promote the mission of college basketball to provide a competitive balance for student-athletes.[11]
Trentyn Flowers, a player with a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls, was reported to have received interest from multiple college teams shortly after the news broke of Nnaji’s joining the Bears.[12] A two-way contract allows a player to play in up to 50 regular season games while also spending time with the team’s G League affiliate, which gives players an opportunity to develop their skills and become NBA-ready. If Baker’s statement reflects reality, Flowers will not be granted further eligibility. Flowers played in two NBA games this season, and has signed an NBA contract, which distinguishes him from Nnaji.[13] While Baker drew a bright-line rule here, the fact that coaches contacted Flowers shows how Baylor’s decision to sign Nnaji opened the floodgates for recruiting and roster building tactics.
Implications for the Future of College Basketball
Some coaches respect Scott Drew’s decision for doing what he thinks is best for his team’s chances of winning while complying with the rules.[14] As the rules continuously change, coaches are testing the boundaries of the NCAA’s rules, and the NCAA has grown lenient in recent years due to the fear of being sued.[15] Despite the contract rule for eligibility, former college player Charles Bediako has rejoined the Alabama Crimson Tide after suing the NCAA for denying him eligibility.[16] Bediako played for Alabama for two years before declaring for the NBA draft in 2023.[17] He went undrafted but signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs, and played in the G League for the team.[18] Although his request to return to college was initially denied, he was granted a temporary restraining order, which allowed him to play for Alabama immediately, until his hearing on February 6th.[19] While the NCAA sets the regulations for collegiate sports, the organization is subject to state and federal laws. When players and universities sue the NCAA, it looks to the government to enforce its regulations through their rulings. Here, Bediako sued for being denied the right to play, and the temporary restraining order to preserve his right to play until a final decision could be made. The NCAA suspects this decision was not made impartially, since the judge and his wife were found to be donors to the University of Alabama’s athletic department.[20] The judge further recused himself from the case, and a new judge was assigned to his hearing.[21]
The biggest issue with his return is the clear violation of the NCAA’s rule that players who declare for the NBA draft lose college eligibility if they do not withdraw from the specified deadline, which is usually ten days after the combine.[22] Prior to Bediako’s case, the NCAA has maintained that rule.[23] Without the aid of the temporary restraining order, Bediako would not have been able to play but was able to compete until his hearing.[24] Bediako claims he would not have made the decision to leave Alabama in 2023 had revenue sharing and NIL opportunities been available to him.[25]
Before the final decision was made, the NCAA’s senior vice president of basketball, Dan Gavitt, spoke out about Bediako’s situation, ensuring that he will not be allowed to play for the season, since he has signed three NBA contracts.[26] He emphasized that sidestepping these rules undermines the NCAA’s goal to provide opportunities to high school students.[27] The court ultimately ruled in favor of the NCAA, and barred Bediako from playing with Alabama, although he will remain a student at the university.[28] Baker commented on the decision, stating that “common sense won” and that professional athletes should not be able to return to college “at the expense of a teenager’s dream.”[29] Both Nnaji’s and Bediako’s situations show a departure from the traditional view of what college athletics should be and how NIL rights and revenue sharing incentivize professional participation at the college level.
Devon Fagan (contributing editor): I attended the University of Florida for undergrad, where she enjoyed attending basketball, football, and baseball games. She is passionate about college sports and how NCAA policies impact athletes.
References:
[1] sk0t, The College Basketball Experience, Flickr (May 29, 2010): www.collegebasketballexperience.com/default.aspx
[2] Bennet Parker, Analyst Jay Bilas Calls Out Harsh Reactions to James Nnaji, Charlie Bediako Signings, Sports Illustrated (Jan. 31, 2026)
[3] Zachary Pereles, Baylor adds former NBA Draft pick James Nnaji, per report: Center joins Bears after playing in Europe, CBS Sports (Dec. 24, 2025)
[4] Id.
[5] Id.
[6] Id.
[7] Jeff Borzello, NCAA’s Charlie Baker: Players with NBA contracts not eligible, ESPN (Dec. 30, 2025).
[8] Id.
[9] Jeff Borzello, Breaking down James Nnaji’s college basketball eligibility, ESPN (Jan. 1, 2026).
[10] Id.
[11] Id.
[12] Jeff Borzello, NCAA’s Charlie Baker: Players with NBA contracts not eligible, ESPN (Dec. 30, 2025).
[13] Id.
[14] A Matt Norlander, Scott Drew explains why James Nnaji will play for Baylor after being selected in NBA Draft, CBS Sports (Dec 29, 2025).
[15] Id.
[16] ESPN staff, What to know about Charles Bediako, more men’s college basketball eligibility cases, ESPN (Jan. 26, 2026).
[17] Id.
[18] Id.
[19] David Cobb, Charles Bediako returns to Alabama: Judge who is Crimson Tide Booster recused from case, CBS Sports (Jan. 28, 2026).
[20] Id.
[21] Id.
[22] Id.
[23] Id.
[24] Id.
[25] ESPN staff, What to know about Charles Bediako, more men’s college basketball eligibility cases, ESPN (Jan. 26, 2026).
[26] David Cobb, Charles Bediako returns to Alabama: Judge who is Crimson Tide Booster recused from case (Jan. 28, 2026).
[27] Id.
[28] Hunter de Silve, Decision Reached in Charles Bediako v. NCAA Eligibility Case, Sports Illustrated (Feb. 9 2026).
[29] Id.
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