Tom Izzo Condemns NCAA Over James Nnaji Waiver; Isaiah Thomas Weighs EuroLeague Move, Damion Lee and Saben Lee Eye New Clubs
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December 28, 2025 — Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo sharply criticized the NCAA after reports surfaced that New York Knicks draftee James Nnaji has been ruled eligible to suit up for Baylor University.
“Now we’re taking guys that were drafted in the NBA and everything?” Izzo told reporters. “Shame on the NCAA. Shame on the coaches, too, but shame on the NCAA, because coaches are gonna do what they gotta do.”
Nnaji, selected 31st overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, has played professionally overseas since being picked. The 6’11” center joined New York’s summer-league roster this past offseason, averaging 3.2 points in 12.9 minutes per game.
Izzo, a Hall of Fame coach in his 30th season at Michigan State, called recent NCAA policy shifts “an absolute travesty,” adding that leadership requires making “decisions that are sometimes unpopular.”
Notes From International Basketball
Isaiah Thomas signaled interest in continuing his career abroad, tweeting, “Thinking about slidin to the EuroLeague. I just want to HOOP.” The 36-year-old guard appeared in six games for the Phoenix Suns during the 2023/24 campaign and averaged 29.1 points and 5.5 assists in 14 G League contests with the Salt Lake City Stars in 2024/25.
Damion Lee is expected to part ways with Israeli club Ironi Ness Ziona after three appearances in which he averaged 7.0 points on 29.2% shooting (9.1% from deep) across 22.7 minutes. The veteran wing played 25 games for the Suns last season after missing all of 2023/24 with a knee injury.
Saben Lee is finalizing a transfer from Olympiacos to Anadolu Efes. The Turkish club will assume his contract for the remainder of the season. The 26-year-old guard is averaging 3.4 points and 1.4 assists in EuroLeague action.
Source: Hoops Rumors
