Baylor men's basketball coach Scott Drew has found himself at the center of a collegiate sports debate, defending his decision to bring in NBA draft pick James Nnaji mid-season. This controversial move, which received a green light from the NCAA on Christmas Eve, comes in the wake of three significant injuries to the Baylor team. While Drew asserts he acted in the best interest of his program, many of his peers, most notably Michigan State's Tom Izzo, have expressed strong disapproval, raising concerns about the trajectory of college basketball and its evolving relationship with professional sports.
Drew's justification for adding the 7-foot Nigerian center, James Nnaji, stems from a critical need to bolster his team's roster after freshman Maikcol Perez suffered a torn ACL and Juslin Bodo Bodo sustained an arm injury. These setbacks significantly dampened Baylor's prospects during the nonconference season. With Nnaji's addition, the Bears are now looking at their upcoming Big 12 play against TCU with renewed optimism, thanks to this strategic roster shuffle.
The contention surrounding Nnaji's eligibility arises from his status as the No. 31 pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Although he hasn't yet played in an NBA game and didn't receive a guaranteed contract, Nnaji did participate in the Summer League, for which he received per diem payments. His NBA draft rights have been traded from the Pistons to the Charlotte Hornets and subsequently to the New York Knicks, adding layers of complexity to his collegiate eligibility.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, a vocal critic of the transfer portal and the expansion of the NCAA Tournament, openly voiced his displeasure, attempting to contact Drew to discuss the rationale behind recruiting a player with an NBA draft history. Izzo passionately stated, "Shame on the NCAA," and extended his criticism to coaches, arguing that the governing body's decisions to permit such actions fail to consider the long-term implications for student-athletes and the sport's integrity.
In response to the growing criticism, Drew indicated that Baylor's compliance office meticulously collaborated with the NCAA for several months to navigate all potential eligibility hurdles. He pointed out that other college athletes, including some on the women's side, have been drafted and still play in college, suggesting a precedent for Nnaji's situation. Drew maintained that he is not an expert on NCAA rules but trusts the clearance provided, stating, "I just know they told us he can play. So, I'm happy."
Addressing the broader debate about the apparent free agency in college basketball, Drew acknowledged that while he and Izzo might hold differing views, their friendship remains intact. He emphasized the necessity for college programs to be "adaptable" to the current NCAA landscape. Drew reflected on his own initial reservations about G League players entering college but conceded that coaches must operate within the existing framework, as they "don't make the rules."
Drew likened the NCAA's current regulations to a fluctuating speed limit, where compliance is essential. He explained that his primary role as a coach is to strengthen his program, especially after significant injuries. He argued that any coach in a similar situation would seek to add the best available player who fits their team's needs. This perspective underscores his commitment to his team's success while navigating the complex and often controversial rules of collegiate athletics.