Baylor Basketball’s Recent Signing of James Nnaji
Introduction to the Controversy
Scott Drew addressed the criticism Baylor basketball’s recent signing of former NBA draft pick James Nnaji on Sunday, telling reporters he’s merely adapting his program to the current climate of the sport.
Last week, the school announced the 7-foot center, who was selected with the No. 31 overall pick in 2023, had joined Baylor’s roster for the rest of the 2025-26 season. The move was met with mixed reactions from both fans and other coaches around the country.
Coach Drew’s Response to Criticism
“Most coaches are 99% aligned on things that we would like to see done with our game. At the same time, from my knowledge, until we get to collective bargaining, I don’t think we can come up with rules that are agreeable or enforceable. Until that, I think all of us gotta be ready to adjust and adapt to what’s out there,” said Drew over the weekend.
“Early on, when it first came out with G League players, I wasn’t in favor of that either. But again, we don’t make the rules and as we find out about things, we’re always going to adapt to put our program in the best position to be successful, because that’s what we get paid to do.”
James Nnaji’s Background
Nnaji played with the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA summer league in 2023. He never agreed to an NBA deal with the Hornets and his draft rights were traded to the New York Knicks in 2024 as a part of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade. He also played with the Knicks’ summer league team this year.
The 21-year-old has also played professionally overseas, which included a stint with FC Barcelona in the Spanish Liga ACB and in the EuroLeague. FC Barcelona released Nnaji in August.
Impact on College Basketball
Two G League players — Thierry Darlan (Santa Clara) and London Johnson (Louisville) — committed to colleges in the fall. Nnaji, however, marks the first former NBA draft pick to be cleared to play in college on the men’s side.
Nnaji’s arrival in Waco comes on the heels of the news that center Juslin Bodo Bodo will miss the rest of the season due to injury.
Upcoming Games for Baylor
Baylor faces Arlington Baptist on Monday afternoon, and opens Big 12 play against TCU on Saturday. But it is unclear when Nnaji will make his debut.
Find more Baylor coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Sports Roundup
Conclusion
The signing of James Nnaji by Baylor basketball has sparked controversy and debate among fans and coaches. While some see it as a strategic move to strengthen the team, others question the fairness of allowing a former NBA draft pick to play in college. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Nnaji performs and how his presence affects the team’s overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is James Nnaji?
A: James Nnaji is a 21-year-old basketball player who was selected with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. He has played professionally overseas and in the NBA summer league.
Q: Why is Nnaji’s signing with Baylor controversial?
A: Nnaji’s signing with Baylor is controversial because he is a former NBA draft pick who is now playing in college. Some people question the fairness of allowing him to play in college after being drafted into the NBA.
Q: When will Nnaji make his debut for Baylor?
A: It is unclear when Nnaji will make his debut for Baylor. The team faces Arlington Baptist on Monday afternoon and opens Big 12 play against TCU on Saturday.
Q: How will Nnaji’s presence affect Baylor’s performance this season?
A: It is difficult to predict how Nnaji’s presence will affect Baylor’s performance this season. However, his experience playing professionally overseas and in the NBA summer league could be an asset to the team.
