NCAA president clarifies stance on player eligibility

NCAA president Charlie Baker said Tuesday that student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract won't be allowed to play college basketball in an effort to address uncertainty about player eligibility.

Baker's statement comes on the heels of the governing body's decision to grant James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA second-round draft pick, four years of college eligibility.

"The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any prospective or returning student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract (including a two-way contract)," Baker wrote in a statement on social media.

Nnaji never played basketball at the collegiate level. The 7-foot center began his professional career six years ago in Hungary and spent the last five seasons with FC Barcelona, who loaned him to multiple European clubs.

The Detroit Pistons selected Nnaji with the 31st overall pick two years ago and subsequently dealt him to the Charlotte Hornets on draft night. His draft rights were traded once more to the New York Knicks in October 2024 as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns blockbuster.

Nnaji made five Summer League appearances for the Knicks earlier this year, but he's never played in an NBA game or signed a standard NBA contract.

"As schools are increasingly recruiting individuals with international league experience, the NCAA is exercising discretion in applying the actual and necessary expenses bylaw to ensure that prospective student-athletes with experience in American basketball leagues are not at a disadvantage compared to their international counterparts," Baker said.

"Rules have long permitted schools to enroll and play individuals with no prior collegiate experience midyear."

Some of college hoops' most prominent coaches have recently criticized the NCAA's eligibility rules for lacking clarity.

Arkansas' John Calipari said he was perplexed by the NCAA's inconsistent rule application.

UConn's Dan Hurley called for a college basketball commissioner during an interview with CBS Sports' Matt Norlander.