Drafted in 2023, James Nnaji files… to the NCAA!
This is an unprecedented situation: Jonathan Givonydraft specialist, announces that an NBA draftee is signing for an NCAA team! The player in question is invited James Nnajiwhich some European basketball fans could watch in Barcelona for three years (2021-24).
Selected 31st overall by the Pistons during the 2023 draft – the same as Victor Wembanyama, who he faced in the Summer League at the time – the Nigerian will join the University of Baylor with immediate effect. It is clear that he will finish the season with Bears and he can even play three more on the college circuit if he wants to.
At the same time, James Nnaji was perfectly capable invited by the Nix with the aim of integrating their workforce, as it is a New York franchise that holds its rights for one year. And this famous transfer with the Timberwolves, which also includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
Present last summer in New York, at the Summer League in Las Vegas (for an average of 3.2 points and 3.6 rebounds), the 21-year-old pivot is a physical phenomenon (2m13 for 113kg), who still needs to strengthen to be effective in the NBA. Perhaps he too will benefit from half a year – or even two – of development in the NCAA.
However, we can question such a career choice because James Nnaji has been a professional since 2019 and because he will be competing against players who, for the most part, have never reached this level. Above all, such a signature may require others and it will potentially be necessary to review certain eligibility rules at university level.
2025-12-25 08:05:00
