US EditionFormer Hornets Guard Amari Bailey Pushing for Return to College Basketball
Amari Bailey aims to become the first NBA player to regain NCAA eligibility and play another college season after appearing in 10 NBA games, challenging current NCAA rules.
- ESPN reporter Dan Murphy updated January 30, 2026, that former UCLA guard Amari Bailey is attempting to become the first player to return to college basketball after playing in NBA games.
- Amari Bailey, 21, former UCLA guard, said his lone professional contract totaled $565,000 and left UCLA with 'a lot to prove' while stating `Right now I'd be a senior in college`.
- Bailey has hired an agent and attorney Elliot Abrams to challenge NCAA rules, citing precedents like James Nnaji and Charles Bediako, while Tim Buckley and Charlie Baker say no eligibility will be granted to NBA signees.
- If successful, Bailey's case would set a legal precedent as the first former NBA player to return to college basketball and test the NCAA's enforcement amid growing waivers, with one year left in his five-year eligibility window for the 2026-27 season.
- The NCAA's 'actual and necessary expenses' exception and case-by-case waivers have reshaped eligibility as rising athlete payments and waiver use intensify disputes, prompting calls for Congress to act.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Former Hornets Draft Pick Wants to Return to College Basketball
Another professional basketball player is looking to make a return to college. Former Charlotte Hornets draft pick Amari Bailey has expressed that he would like to go back and play college basketball even after playing in NBA games.The Hornets selected Bailey in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft. Before he was drafted, he played college basketball at UCLA. Bailey hired a lawyer and an agent to prepare to fight for NCAA eligibility.“Right no…
Lawyer For Ex-NBA Player Amari Bailey Gives Awful Argument For Why He Should Be Allowed To Return To College
Amari Bailey Charlotte Hornets In 2022-23, Amari Bailey played in 30 games for the UCLA Bruins before entering his name into the 2023 NBA Draft. The Charlotte Hornets selected Bailey No. 41 overall, and he played 10 games for the team as a rookie. In theory, that should have put an end to Bailey’s college career. But in light of recent events that saw former G-League players Charles Bediako and James Nnaji ruled eligible to return to college bas…
Rockdale Citizen & Newton Citizen
KMJ-AF1Former Hornets player Amari Bailey seeks college eligibility
The NCAA's eligibility rules might face another challenge after former NBA player Amari Bailey told ESPN on Friday that he plans to play college ball again.
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