NCAA Discusses CBB Eligibility For Players With NBA Experience, Eyes Rule Changes

The NCAA is seeking rule changes that would prevent athletes with NBA experience from playing college basketball.

The NCAA provided a statement about the possible changes to Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68:

The discussion about possible rule changes comes amid a handful of players with professional experience joining the collegiate ranks. The most recent was Nigerian center James Nnaji, who recently committed to Baylor and is looking to play for the Bears this season.

Nnaji was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft, but has yet to play in the league yet because he chose instead to play professionally in Europe.

While he has not yet suited up for an NBA team, his contractual rights have been owned by the Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks. He played for the Knicks' Summer League team this offseason.

Baylor head coach Scott Drew responded to criticism about bringing in Nnaji on Monday.

"Until we get to collective bargaining, I don't think we can come up with rules that are agreeable or enforceable," he told reporters. "Until that, I think all of us have go to be ready to adjust and adapt to what's out there... We're always going to adapt to put our program in the best position to be successful."

In September, former G League Ignite player Thierry Darlan was deemed eligible to play for Santa Clara. London Johnson, who played in the G League for the Maine Red Claws and Cleveland Charge last year, was granted eligibility to play for Louisville.

The NCAA clearly wants a change, but in the meantime, coaches will likely continue taking advantage of having professional talent on their rosters.