A former 2023 NBA draft pick, James Nnaji, will join an NCAA university.
It’s not a classic course like we see every day. James Nnaji, 21-year-old Nigerian pivot, will join Baylor University (Texas) after obtaining authorization this Wednesday. A choice that will allow him to play in the NCAA, the university basketball championship. A surprising but above all unusual choice since he will become the first player to be drafted before joining a university.
In fact, usually, it is quite the opposite that happens. Talented young basketball players first reveal themselves in the NCAA before being noticed and sent to the NBA. But this turn of events could highlight a new way of looking at things for North American franchises, which would allow themselves in the future to draft young talents to send them to university.
Not a single game in the NBA
Drafted in 2023 by the Detroit Pistons, Nnaji immediately returned to Barcelona, the club in which he played to perfect his skills. He never played in the NBA for a second, even though he participated in several summer leagues, notably in 2025 with the Knicks, who still have his rights in the NBA.
Having never played a game for a franchise or in the university championship, the NCAA granted him 4 years of eligibility to play in its championship. However, he could be called to play with the Knicks at any time, which can therefore be considered as a loan from the New York franchise to the university.
The opportunity for Nnaji to do his classes without pressure, until the day the NBA needs him. However, he will be pitted against young players who have never approached the level of the Nigerian, which could slow down his progress. The 2.13 m and 113 kg pivot will have time to become physically tougher before potentially joining the biggest courts in the world.
