Tom Izzo Sounds the Alarm: James Nnaji’s Return to College Basketball Sparks NCAA Controversy
Tom Izzo has never been shy about speaking his mind. The Hall of Fame coach has spent decades building Michigan State into a perennial contender, and along the way, he’s earned a reputation for being both passionate and principled when it comes to the state of college basketball.
But his latest comments? They hit different.
This weekend, Izzo didn’t just voice concern-he lit into the NCAA with a level of frustration that’s been building for years. The spark? Baylor's recent addition of James Nnaji, the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, who is now immediately eligible to play college basketball.
That move didn’t sit well with Izzo, and frankly, it’s raised eyebrows across the college hoops landscape.
Who is James Nnaji, and Why Is This a Big Deal?
Let’s unpack this. James Nnaji was drafted by the NBA in 2023 but never signed a contract.
Instead, he played professionally in Europe before appearing with the New York Knicks in the 2025 NBA Summer League. Now, he’s back in the college ranks-joining Baylor midseason and eligible to suit up right away.
It’s a move that blurs the line between amateur and professional in a way that has coaches like Izzo sounding the alarm.
Izzo’s Message: “Shame on the NCAA”
When asked about Nnaji’s eligibility, Izzo didn’t mince words. He called out the NCAA directly, saying, “Shame on the NCAA.” That’s not just frustration-that’s a Hall of Fame coach questioning the very foundation of how the sport is governed.
And whether you agree with him or not, Izzo’s reaction speaks to a larger unease that’s been simmering under the surface of college basketball for a while now.
A Pattern That’s Hard to Ignore
This isn’t the first time Izzo has spoken out about the changing landscape. He’s been vocal about the transfer portal, NIL, and now, the growing trend of former pros re-entering the college game.
Over the summer, he criticized Louisville for bringing in a former G-League player. Now, with Baylor adding a former NBA draft pick, Izzo sees a troubling pattern.
To him, this isn’t just about one player or one program-it’s about the integrity of the college game. When players with professional experience can return to the NCAA and play right away, it raises serious questions about what college basketball is becoming.
Where Does It Stop?
That’s the question Izzo-and plenty of others-are asking right now. First it was international players with pro experience.
Then it was G-Leaguers. Now, it’s NBA draft picks.
What’s next? Could players who left school early for the NBA return a few years later if things don’t pan out?
That might sound like a stretch, but the current trend is making that hypothetical feel a little less far-fetched.
A Slippery Slope for the Sport
Izzo’s frustration isn’t about resisting change for the sake of tradition. It’s about protecting the structure and purpose of college basketball. The NCAA has always walked a fine line between amateurism and the realities of big-time college sports, but allowing former pros to re-enter the college game without sitting out feels, to many, like crossing a line.
And when someone like Izzo-who’s seen it all and coached through every era of the sport-says he’s “ashamed” of where things are heading, it’s time to pay attention.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just a story about James Nnaji or Baylor. It’s about the direction of the sport as a whole.
College basketball is evolving rapidly, and not everyone agrees on what the future should look like. Coaches are trying to build programs in a system that’s constantly shifting.
Players are navigating new rules and opportunities. And fans are watching a game that’s starting to look very different from the one they grew up with.
Izzo’s outburst is a reminder that, while progress is necessary, it also comes with consequences. The NCAA has opened the door to a new era-but it still hasn’t figured out where the boundaries are. And until it does, the debate will only get louder.
One thing’s for sure: Tom Izzo isn’t done fighting for the sport he loves. And whether you agree with him or not, his voice still carries weight in a game that’s searching for its footing.