Overview
- James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA draft pick who played professionally in Europe but never in an NBA game, logged five points and four rebounds in 16 minutes as Baylor fell to TCU 69-63 in the Big 12 opener.
- Nnaji was booed upon entering and on subsequent touches, and he sat the final minutes after picking up a fourth foul with 4:42 remaining.
- The NCAA cleared him under policies allowing players who did not sign NBA contracts and are within five years of high school graduation, while stating those who have signed NBA deals will be ineligible.
- Prominent coaches, including Tom Izzo, criticized the approval and called for clear, enforceable standards as college sports navigate NIL money and pro-to-college pathways.
- Baylor coach Scott Drew said Nnaji arrived after Christmas and had not played five-on-five since the summer, adding the midseason addition addressed injuries as TCU’s defense halted Baylor’s recent 100-point scoring run.