James Nnaji Heads to Baylor - and Opens a New Door in College Hoops
In a move that’s turning heads across the college basketball landscape, 2023 NBA Draft pick James Nnaji has officially enrolled at Baylor University - and yes, he’s eligible to suit up this season. It’s a development that not only reshapes Baylor’s frontcourt but could also have ripple effects across the NCAA, especially for programs like Illinois that are wondering: could this open the door for a former star to return?
Let’s break it down.
Who is James Nnaji - and how did we get here?
Nnaji, a 7-foot center from Nigeria, was selected 31st overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. His rights were later traded twice - first to the Charlotte Hornets, then to the New York Knicks, as part of the blockbuster Karl-Anthony Towns deal.
But despite being a high-upside international prospect, Nnaji never actually signed an NBA contract. Instead, he continued developing overseas, most recently with FC Barcelona.
That’s where things get interesting.
Because Nnaji never inked an NBA deal and never played college basketball, he’s eligible to return to the NCAA ranks. And that’s exactly what he’s doing - joining Scott Drew’s Baylor Bears midseason, with four full years of eligibility reportedly on the table.
Yes, you read that right. A former NBA draft pick is now eligible to play D-I college basketball - and he could stick around for a while.
What this means for Baylor
Make no mistake: this is a massive pickup for Baylor. Nnaji brings size, strength, and a wealth of professional experience to a team that’s already in the national conversation. He’s a rim protector with a 7’5” wingspan, a physical interior presence, and the kind of upside that made NBA teams willing to stash his rights.
Adding him to the rotation midseason gives Baylor a unique weapon - a player with pro-level tools stepping into the college game with fresh legs and a high ceiling. Scott Drew has built a reputation for developing bigs, and Nnaji could be the next in line.
But beyond what he brings on the court, Nnaji’s decision opens a door that college coaches across the country are now peeking through.
Could Illinois bring back Kofi Cockburn?
Let’s address the elephant in the room - or in this case, the Illini faithful’s dream scenario.
Kofi Cockburn was a dominant force in Champaign. A two-time All-American, he helped elevate Illinois into national relevance with his physicality, rebounding, and low-post scoring. So naturally, when news broke that Nnaji - a former NBA draft pick - was returning to college ball, fans started wondering: could Kofi come back?
Unfortunately, the answer is pretty clear: no.
Here’s why.
Unlike Nnaji, Kofi did sign an NBA contract. After going undrafted in 2022, he signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Utah Jazz - a one-year, non-guaranteed contract often used to funnel players into G League systems.
Once you sign that dotted line, you’re officially a professional athlete in the eyes of the NCAA. And that status shuts the door on a return to college basketball.
Nnaji, on the other hand, never signed an NBA contract. His rights were traded, sure, but he never officially joined a roster or received NBA paychecks. That distinction - as confusing as it might be - is the difference-maker here.
So while Nnaji can suit up for Baylor, Kofi can’t come back for another run in orange and blue. Unless the NCAA rewrites the rulebook or grants a one-off exception (which seems unlikely), Illinois fans will have to keep those memories of Kofi dominating the paint as just that - memories.
What this means for college basketball moving forward
Nnaji’s move to Baylor isn’t just a headline - it’s a potential turning point. For years, international players who were drafted but unsigned have mostly stayed overseas or tried to break into the NBA through G League or Summer League circuits. Now, college basketball is suddenly a viable option for that group.
If this becomes a trend, expect major programs to start scouting the “draft-and-stash” pool more seriously. There’s real value in adding seasoned, professional-caliber talent to a college roster - especially under the right eligibility circumstances.
It’s a new wrinkle in the ever-evolving world of college hoops. NIL deals, the transfer portal, and now, former NBA draft picks returning to campus? Welcome to the new normal.
And for Baylor, the new normal just got a whole lot taller.