Baylor has announced the signing of big man James Nnaji, a former NBA Draft pick who’s played in the EuroLeague the last four seasons.
Nnaji, 21, has been cleared by the NCAA to play at Baylor this season, source told The Field of 68.
The big man was drafted with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, who gave his rights to the Charlotte Hornets. Nnaji was then shipped to the New York Knicks as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade. He becomes the first-ever former NBA Draft pick to come back and play college basketball.
The 7-footer and native of The Makurdi, Nigeria, also suited up for the Knicks during NBA Summer League earlier this year, posting averages of 3.2 points and 3.6 rebounds over five appearances.
“James is a really talented young player with a ton of potential, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Baylor Family,” head coach Scott Drew said. “Any time you add someone to the roster midseason, it’s going to be a process to get them acclimated and up to speed, but we know James will do everything he can to make it a seamless transition. Our immediate focus is on helping him take things step by step to ensure it’s best for both him and the team when he’s able to take the court.”
This is a huge get for Baylor, as the Bears need some help in the frontcourt. The school also announced today that High Point transfer Juslin Bodo-Bodo will be out for the 2025-26 season after suffering an arm injury this summer.
“Juslin has worked incredibly hard throughout his rehab and has done everything asked of him to get back on the floor, Drew said. “Even through this setback, he has continued to be an unbelievable teammate by bringing energy every day, supporting his brothers and representing Baylor the right way. While he will be out for the remainder of the season, he will continue to have an impact on our team’s success.”
The tallest player on Baylor’s roster to receive minutes this season is 6-foot-9 big man Caden Powell. Nnaji should be a game changer for the Bears in the frontcourt and gives them an interior presence with a 7-foot-7 wingspan.
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