NCAA clarifies eligibility rules for players with NBA contracts

Indianapolis — The NCAA said Tuesday it would not grant eligibility to any player who had signed an NBA contract after Baylor’s midseason addition of a 2023 draft pick who had been playing professionally in Europe prompted criticism from coaches across college basketball. The Bears announced the signing of 7-footer James Nnaji of Nigeria on Christmas Eve. He could make his debut Saturday in Baylor's Big 12 opener at TCU. Nnaji was the first pick of the second round, 31st overall, by the Detroit Pistons 2½ years ago. His draft rights have since been traded to Boston, then Charlotte and most recently the New York Knicks in October 2024. The 21-year-old Nnaji, who was playing in Europe before...