Overview
- On Dec. 27, Izzo criticized the NCAA for clearing Baylor's midseason addition of James Nnaji, calling the decision shameful and harmful to college basketball.
- The NCAA granted Nnaji immediate eligibility after he was drafted 31st in 2023, never signed an NBA contract, played professionally in Europe, and appeared in the 2025 Knicks Summer League.
- Izzo said NCAA leadership is avoiding tough decisions out of fear of lawsuits and labeled the organization’s direction a travesty, implicitly targeting president Charlie Baker.
- He warned that allowing former pros into college programs accelerates professionalization and could push more coaches to leave, citing his earlier objections to Louisville adding ex-G League guard London Johnson.
- Baylor gains a 7-foot frontcourt option as Nnaji helps cover injuries to Juslin Bodo Bodo and Maikcol Perez, highlighting how case-by-case rulings can reshape rosters midseason.