Nnaji, Former NBA Draft Pick, Joins Baylor with Immediate Eligibility
James Nnaji, the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has officially joined Baylor for this season. His agents confirmed the news to DraftExpress’ Jonathan Givony. The 21-year-old Nigerian center has been granted four years of eligibility by the NCAA.
Key Facts About Nnaji
- Height: 7 feet
- Weight: 251 pounds
- Wingspan: 7 feet 7 inches
- Drafted by: Detroit Pistons
- Previous Team: FC Barcelona in the EuroLeague
- Age: 21
Career Background
Nnaji spent three seasons playing for FC Barcelona before his contract was terminated in August 2023. He initially joined Barcelona in 2020, during which time he was loaned to Girona in Spain and Merkezefendi in Turkey.
In July, Nnaji showcased his skills in five Summer League games with the New York Knicks. The Knicks retain his draft rights due to a previous trade deal involving the Charlotte Hornets and Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Baylor’s Midseason Addition
James Nnaji stands out as a significant midseason recruit for Baylor. He marks a historic moment as the first player to participate in college basketball after being selected in the NBA draft without playing a game in the league. This unique situation demonstrates his potential as a formidable player.
Comparisons with Other G League Players
While Nnaji’s journey is remarkable, other players like London Johnson and Thierry Darlan have also stepped into the NCAA this season. Both former G League players debuted at Louisville and Santa Clara, respectively, even though they did not declare for the NBA Draft.
Although Nnaji, Johnson, and Darlan all have experience in professional basketball overseas, none have signed a standard NBA contract. This emphasizes the distinctiveness of Nnaji’s current position as he embarks on his college basketball career.
