Amari Bailey, the former UCLA standout and NBA point guard, is making headlines once again-this time not for a move to another pro team, but for a potential return to college basketball. According to reports, Bailey has scheduled an official visit to Grand Canyon University, marking a significant twist in what’s already been a unique basketball journey.
Now, let’s be clear: Bailey’s path back to the college hardwood isn’t a done deal. He would first need to be ruled eligible by a court of law, a legal hurdle that stands between him and what would be an unprecedented move.
If cleared, Bailey would become the first player to log minutes in actual NBA games and then return to play college ball. That’s not just rare-it’s historic.
Grand Canyon University has reportedly been aggressive in its recruitment, pitching Bailey on their program’s vision and future. The school is set to host him for an official visit during their game against New Mexico on Wednesday. It’s a big moment for the Antelopes, who are aiming to make a splash by potentially landing a player with NBA experience.
But GCU isn’t the only school in the mix. Bailey is expected to take additional visits, suggesting that this process is far from over. Still, the fact that GCU landed the first official visit says something about how seriously they’re being considered.
Bailey’s return to the college game would raise plenty of questions-not just about eligibility, but about how a player with NBA experience would impact the college landscape. Would he dominate?
Would he bring a new level of maturity and professionalism to the locker room? And how would opposing teams react to facing a player who’s already competed at the highest level?
There’s a lot still to unfold here, but one thing’s for sure: Amari Bailey’s story is entering uncharted territory. And if he does suit up for a college team again, it won’t just be a comeback-it’ll be a groundbreaking moment in the evolution of college basketball.