Overview
- President Charlie Baker said the NCAA will not grant eligibility to players who have signed NBA contracts, including two-way agreements.
- The NCAA indicated that former pros without NBA deals, such as players from overseas leagues or the G League, may still be considered under existing discretion.
- Baylor enrolled 2023 No. 31 pick James Nnaji on Dec. 24 and he received four years of immediate eligibility since he never signed an NBA contract.
- High-profile coaches including John Calipari, Dan Hurley, Matt Painter and Mark Few criticized unclear standards, while Baylor’s Scott Drew defended operating within the rules and floated collective bargaining.
- Baker cited nationwide court injunctions as destabilizing and advocates said recent rulings and cases, with filings already referencing Nnaji’s clearance, are pressuring the NCAA to seek congressional help.