James Nnaji and the College Comeback: How One NBA Draft Pick Is Shaking Up the System
James Nnaji is back in college basketball-but not in the way anyone expected. The 2023 NBA Draft pick, whose rights now belong to the New York Knicks, is suiting up for Baylor this season.
That’s right: a drafted NBA player, technically a free agent, is now playing college hoops in Waco. And while the move has sparked controversy and raised more than a few eyebrows across the college basketball landscape, it’s also opened the door-at least a crack-for others to follow.
Let’s break down how this happened, what it means, and who might be next.
The Nnaji Loophole
Nnaji was initially drafted by the Detroit Pistons, traded to Charlotte, and eventually had his rights land with the Knicks. But here's the key: he never signed an NBA contract, never played a minute in an NBA game, and was released from his deal with FC Barcelona back in August. That made him a free agent-outside the NBA, outside Europe, and technically eligible to return to the NCAA under specific conditions.
And those conditions? The NCAA has made two things clear:
- The Five-Year Rule: Players must have graduated high school within the past five years.
Nnaji, at 21, fits that window.
- No NBA Minutes: If you’ve logged even a single second in an NBA game, you’re out.
Summer League doesn’t count. Preseason doesn’t count.
But the regular season? That’s the line.
So, Nnaji’s return to college ball isn’t just a one-off-it’s a precedent. And while some coaches, like Tom Izzo and John Calipari, have voiced their frustration with the NCAA’s rulebook (or lack thereof), others are simply acknowledging the reality: if there’s a loophole that helps you win, someone’s going to find it.
As one high-major general manager put it bluntly: “Motherf****** will go anywhere to find someone that can help them win a basketball game right now.”
Who Could Be Next?
This isn’t a wide-open floodgate-it’s more like a narrow alleyway. But for the right player, in the right situation, the Nnaji precedent could be a game-changer. Let’s take a look at a few names who now find themselves in a very interesting spot.
Dink Pate
- Stats: 19.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 4.8 APG with the Westchester Knicks (G League)
- Age: 19
Pate was a top-30 recruit in the Class of 2023, sharing the spotlight with guys like Stephon Castle and Bronny James. But instead of heading to college, he joined G League Ignite, betting on the pro route. Then Ignite shut down in 2024, and Pate went undrafted in 2025.
Now with the Westchester Knicks, Pate has been lighting it up-including a wild 37-point, 11-rebound, 13-assist performance earlier this month. He’s 6-foot-8, can handle, create, and score, and-crucially-he’s never played an NBA minute. That keeps him eligible under the Nnaji rulebook.
And there’s more: Kentucky assistant Jason Hart coached him at Ignite, and both Alabama and USC were heavily recruiting him out of high school. If Pate wants to pivot back to college, the runway is there.
Bogoljub Markovic
- Stats: 15.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.6 APG with Mega Basket (Adriatic League)
- Age: 20
The Bucks took Markovic in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, but he’s still stashed overseas. The 6-foot-11 big has a smooth shooting stroke and solid footwork, and he’s been holding his own in the Adriatic League-a proving ground that’s recently sent players to Kentucky, Miami, Illinois, and Auburn.
Markovic hasn’t played for Milwaukee, and if the Bucks decide to take their time with his development, a temporary stop in college could be on the table.
Juan Núñez
- Stats: 5.0 PPG, 3.4 APG, 2.5 RPG in 15.6 MPG with FC Barcelona (EuroLeague)
- Age: 21
Núñez is a pure point guard-smart, unselfish, and creative. He was drafted by San Antonio in 2024 and has continued to develop overseas. Right now, he’s recovering from a knee injury, but once healthy, he could be a serious candidate for a college backcourt in need of a steady hand.
Again, no NBA minutes, still within the eligibility window, and plenty of upside.
Jean Montero
- Stats: 11.1 PPG, 4.1 APG, 2.8 RPG in 20.5 MPG with Valencia (EuroLeague)
- Age: 22
Montero went undrafted in 2022, but he’s been quietly building a strong résumé in Europe. The Dominican Republic native has been productive at every stop, and he’s now a key piece for Valencia, one of the EuroLeague’s top squads.
At 6-foot-3, he’s a dynamic guard who can score and distribute. He might be a long shot for a return to college, but if the right program comes calling, don’t rule it out.
Matteo Spagnolo
- Stats: 6.3 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 2.3 APG in 18 games with Baskonia (EuroLeague)
- Age: 22
Spagnolo was a second-round pick by Minnesota in 2022 and has been a steady contributor in the EuroLeague since. He’s not a flashy name, but he’s a reliable combo guard with experience in high-level competition. If a college team wants a veteran presence with pro seasoning, Spagnolo fits the bill.
Yannick Nzosa
- Stats: 2.9 PPG, 1.0 RPG in 7.6 MPG with San Pablo Burgos (Spain)
- Age: 22
Nzosa’s numbers don’t jump off the page, but he’s still just 22 and has NBA-level tools-length, mobility, and rim protection. He’s struggled to find consistent minutes in Spain, but a change of scenery and a defined college role might be what he needs to reset his trajectory.
What’s Next?
The NCAA and NBA are well aware of what’s happening here. Some believe this loophole won’t stay open for long. As one college GM put it: “Whoever is going to do it, better do it now, because this won’t be around too much longer.”
Still, the landscape is shifting. With the transfer portal opening in April and more players looking for ways to stay relevant, stay visible, and stay on the radar, don’t be surprised if a few more names test the waters.
James Nnaji might be the first to walk through this door-but he won’t be the last.