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Former NBA Draft Pick Enrolls at Baylor, Eligible to Play for Bears Immediately
James Nnaji joins Baylor after playing professionally in Europe and participating in the NBA Summer League; Baylor is 9-2 and addressing frontcourt injuries.
- On Dec. 24, 2025, Baylor men's basketball announced James Nnaji, former NBA draft pick, enrolled and is immediately eligible with four years of NCAA eligibility.
- Nnaji never signed an NBA contract and played professionally in Europe, most recently on loan at Yukatel Merkezefendi from FC Barcelona, with his NBA rights traded to the Charlotte Hornets and later the New York Knicks.
- Nnaji stands 7-foot with a 7-foot-7 wingspan and averaged 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds with Yukatel Merkezefendi, joining a 9-2 Baylor team thin on front-court depth.
- Baylor gains a midseason pro-level prospect who could see immediate success as Big 12 Conference play begins Jan. 3, 2026, potentially impacting games against TCU and Arlington Baptist.
- The NCAA's recent changes enabled this move, following its loosening of pro restrictions that allowed players like Thierry Darlan to return, sparking Dec. 24, 2025 reactions amid the amateurism debate.
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23 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources23
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 20%
C 60%
R 20%
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