Knicks former NBA Draft pick gets granted four years of college eligibility

Toran Flores

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Knicks former NBA Draft pick gets granted four years of college eligibility image

Seven-foot, 250-pound center James Nnaji has yet to sign an NBA contract after the New York Knicks took him with the 31st overall pick in 2023.

Despite being drafted, Nnaji has been playing overseas since he was drafted.

According to Joe Tipton of On3, the 21-year-old was granted four years of college eligibility and will join the Baylor Bears, becoming immediately eligible to play.

Who is James Nnaji?

Nnaji has been playing overseas for FC Barcelona in Spain and, more recently, Girona and Merkezefendi Basket on loan. The two sides mutually parted ways in August.

He averaged 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in limited playing time while also joining the New York Knicks' Summer League team during the offseason.

"He joins a Bears' team that has been hit hard by injuries, particularly in the frontcourt," Joe Tipton wrote. "Baylor has been without freshman forward Maikcol Perez (knee) and center Juslin Bodo Bodo (arm) all season."

This is one of the most unusual instances of the NCAA granting eligibility to a player due to Nnaji being a player who has been drafted into the NBA.

With a chance to play four years in college, Nnaji could play college ball until he is 25 years old.

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