From the NBA to the NCAA: College basketball coaches aren’t holding back on the NCAA: “We don’t have any rules”
Top coaches including Tom Izzo, Dan Hurley and John Calipari blast eligibility loopholes after NBA-drafted James Nnaji joins Baylor.
The NCAA has come under fire for its decision to allow Nigerian center James Nnaji to join the Baylor Bears despite being drafted in the 2023 NBA draft.
James Nnaji: From the NBA draft to college basketball
The 21-year-old, who played more than 50 games for Barcelona in the EuroLeague, was selected 31st overall by the Detroit Pistons before having his rights traded to the Charlotte Hornets and then the New York Knicks. Nnaji, however, never played for any of the three teams and could now make his Baylor debut this Saturday, January 3.
While Baylor coach Scott Drew has defended his decision to sign Nnaji, several of his peers have openly criticized the NCAA for ruling him eligible.
Tom Izzo calls out the NCAA and fellow coaches
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo told reporters Saturday that he planned to speak with Drew, a longtime friend, about a situation he said he was not comfortable with.
“Now we’re taking guys that were drafted in the NBA. If that’s what we’re gonna do, shame on the NCAA. Shame on the coaches, too. But shame on the NCAA. Because coaches are going to do what they’ve got to do, I guess.”
Dan Hurley on Nnaji “joke”
UConn coach Dan Hurley also weighed in, posting on X on Christmas Eve shortly after Nnaji’s signing was announced.
“Santa Claus is delivering mid season acquisitions…this s*** is crazy!”
Hurley later expanded on his view in a voice memo to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, urging the NCAA to hire a commissioner to oversee eligibility decisions.
“I just had no idea that that was even an option. I thought it was actually a joke when I saw it. I just assumed that when you stay in the draft or you get drafted that you would forgo your college eligibility. I was not aware of the loopholes in it.”
John Calipari questions international loopholes
The latest coach to speak out was Arkansas’ John Calipari, who launched into a passionate rant about what he sees as a rule that disproportionately affects American players.
“I don’t blame coaches. I’ve got friends that are playing with 27-year-olds and they feel bad. I said, ‘Don’t feel bad. We don’t have any rules. Why should you feel bad?’”
“If you put your name in the draft, I don’t care if you’re from Russia and you stay in the draft, you can’t play college basketball.”
NCAA points the finger at Congress
On Monday, the NCAA appeared to acknowledge the controversy and shifted responsibility toward lawmakers in a statement given to college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman.
“Schools are recruiting and seeking eligibility for more individuals with more international, semi-pro and professional experience than ever before and while the NCAA members have updated many rules following the House injunction, more rules must likely be updated to reflect the choices member schools are making. At the same time, NCAA eligibility rules have been invalidated by judges across the country, wreaking havoc on the system and leading to fewer opportunities for high school students, which is why the Association is asking Congress to intervene in these challenges.”
The following day, the NCAA revealed it would not grant eligibility to players who had signed NBA contracts, saying the move was intended “to ensure that prospective student-athletes with experience in American basketball leagues are not at a disadvantage compared to their international counterparts,” partially addressing Calipari’s concerns.
Why Nnaji can still play for Baylor
Despite being drafted, Nnaji never signed an NBA contract. As a result, he remains eligible under current rules and could suit up for Baylor against TCU this weekend.
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