Tom Izzo, the long-serving coach at Michigan State University, has remained quiet about the increasing trend of former NBA G League players and international professionals being allowed to compete in college basketball nationwide. On Christmas Eve, Baylor secured a commitment from James Nagy, who was the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Nnaji, a 21-year-old Nigerian center standing 7 feet tall, received immediate eligibility as a mid-season addition and still has four years left to play, according to USA Today.
Izzo expressed his disbelief, saying, “I thought I had seen the worst, but then Christmas came. What happened is beyond that. Are we going to accept players who were drafted in the NBA or what? If so, shame on the NCAA and the coaches, but mainly the NCAA.” He criticized the governing body for allowing these decisions, calling them “nonsense” and stated he disagrees with them.
Though Nnaji did not actually play in the NBA or G League, he did take part in five NBA Summer League games with the New York Knicks last July and played professionally in Spain and Turkey last season. This situation is not unique; in October, Louisville was allowed to add 21-year-old guard London Johnson next year with two years of eligibility left, despite him having spent three years in the G League.
Izzo also shared that a renowned coach sent him a text condemning the unclear eligibility rules, calling the NCAA’s decisions a “total travesty.” He predicted that only about 5 to 10 percent of Division I coaches would support these changes. Izzo concluded with a call for clarity and commitment, saying, “If adjustments are needed, let’s make them. Be professional or don’t be at all—there’s no such thing as ‘half.'”
Fan Take: This evolving approach to college basketball eligibility could reshape the traditional amateur nature of the sport, potentially leading to a more professionalized college game. Basketball fans should watch closely, as these changes might influence recruiting, team dynamics, and the overall competitive landscape.
