Knicks draft-and-stash center James Nnaji joins Baylor
knicks-prospect-james-nnaji-enrolls-at-baylor
James Nnaji, the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has enrolled at Baylor and is eligible to play immediately, according to his representatives at Gersh Sports.
The 21-year-old center was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets and had his rights sent to the New York Knicks in last year’s three-team deal that also moved Karl-Anthony Towns. Although selected two seasons ago, Nnaji never signed an NBA contract and continued to play overseas, allowing him to retain collegiate eligibility.
The NCAA has granted Nnaji four full seasons with the Bears, Joe Tipton of On3 reported. His move marks the first time a player has joined an NCAA program after being drafted, expanding a trend that has typically involved international prospects entering college before hearing their names called.
Nnaji spent several seasons under contract with FC Barcelona, logging loan stints with Merkezefendi Basket in Turkey and Girona in Spain. During the 2024/25 campaign he appeared in 14 Liga ACB games for Girona, averaging 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 16.2 minutes.
He has twice suited up in Las Vegas Summer League, first with Charlotte in 2023 and most recently with New York this July, averaging 3.2 points and 3.6 boards over five outings for the Knicks.
Baylor’s frontcourt has been depleted by injuries this season, giving the 6-foot-11 shot-blocker an immediate path to minutes as the Bears navigate the back half of the 2025/26 schedule. The Knicks retain his NBA rights and will now be able to monitor his development without traveling overseas.
Source: Hoops Rumors
