Nigerian center James Nnaji has reportedly committed to play college basketball at Baylor University, beginning with the second half of the 2025-26 season.
Nnaji was the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons after playing three seasons with Barcelona. His draft rights were traded to the Charlotte Hornets and, in October 2024, moved again to the New York Knicks in the acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns.
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The 21-year-old played last season with Girona on loan from Barcelona, averaging 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in the Spanish League. He will now suit up for coach Scott Drew and the Bears with four years of eligibility granted by the NCAA, according to Joe Tipton of On3.
Nnaji got a late start in basketball, only beginning to play in 2017. He joined Ratgeber Basketball Academy in Hungary and played one season with Pecsi in the top league in the country before signing with Barcelona in August 2020.
The 7-footer previously played for both the Hornets (2023) and the Knicks in the NBA Summer League. He totaled 16 points, 18 rebounds, three steals, one block and one assist in 64 minutes across five appearances with New York this past July.
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Nnaji joins the growing number of players who have moved to the collegiate level after previously playing professionally. He is highly touted for his rebounding, physicality and rim protection, boasting a 7-foot, 7-inch wingspan.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Report: James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA draft pick, has committed to Baylor