James Nnaji with FC Barcelona in January 2023
The NCAA has taken a firm and public stance on a growing eligibility debate, shutting down any possibility of NBA players returning to college basketball or committing for the first time.
On Tuesday, NCAA President Charlie Baker issued a clear statement confirming that any player who has signed an NBA contract, including Two-Way deals, will not be granted collegiate eligibility.
The announcement comes amid increasing confusion and controversy surrounding eligibility rulings, particularly as programs explore unconventional pathways to bolster their rosters with experienced players.
That debate was recently reignited by Baylor adding James Nnaji to its roster. Nnaji was selected 31st overall in the 2023 NBA Draft but never signed an NBA contract, instead appearing in Summer League before playing professionally overseas with FC Barcelona.
Nnaji was also included in the October 2024 trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks.
NCAA Draws Firm Line on NBA Contracts
In his statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), Baker left little room for interpretation, emphasizing that the NCAA’s position applies broadly to any form of NBA contract.
“The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any prospective or returning student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract (including a two-way contract),” Baker said. “As schools are increasingly recruiting individuals with international league experience, the NCAA is exercising discretion in applying the actual and necessary expenses bylaw to ensure that prospective student-athletes with experience in American basketball leagues are not at a disadvantage compared to their international counterparts. Rules have long permitted schools to enroll and play individuals with no prior collegiate experience midyear.”
“While the NCAA has prevailed on the vast majority of eligibility-related lawsuits, recent outlier decisions enjoining the NCAA on a nationwide basis from enforcing rules that have been on the books for decades — without even having a trial — are wildly destabilizing. I will be working with DI leaders in the weeks ahead to protect college basketball from these misguided attempts to destroy this American institution.”
Baker’s declaration effectively closes the door on any NBA or Two Way player attempting to return to college basketball after signing a professional deal. The policy applies regardless of whether a player has logged meaningful NBA minutes, reinforcing the NCAA’s stance that signing a contract alone constitutes professional status.
Matt Evans Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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