NBA Players Reject Idea of Pros Re-Entering College Basketball
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The overwhelming majority of NBA players surveyed during All-Star Weekend say athletes who have already signed professional contracts should not be allowed to suit up again in college basketball.
Reporter Joe Vardon of The Athletic polled 12 players on the topic; 10 opposed any return path from the NBA to the NCAA.
Pros see a one-way door
“I think there should be boundaries, for sure,” Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin said. “If you play the game in the NBA, that probably makes no sense. It’s kinda unfair to the other guys.”
Demin’s opinion is notable because he played professionally in Spain before joining BYU, under long-standing rules that give international prospects more flexibility than their U.S. counterparts.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells added, “There’s a reason why they call you a pro. When you’re in college, you’re not a pro.” Atlanta Hawks wing Jalen Johnson argued that turning professional signals a final decision and that returning would “take opportunity away from younger players still trying to be seen.”
Legal battles widen eligibility gaps
The debate has intensified as lawsuits challenge NCAA regulations. Since a 2024 federal ruling involving former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, more than 50 eligibility cases have been filed against the association, producing mixed outcomes.
Recent petitions include:
- Charles Bediako, who briefly returned to Alabama after three G League seasons before a court reversed a temporary clearance.
- Amari Bailey, seeking eligibility despite previous NBA appearances.
- James Nnaji (Baylor) and London Johnson (Louisville), each following non-traditional professional routes before college.
A minority of NBA players voiced support for a comeback option. Washington Wizards guard Kyshawn George asked, “Why not?” while Toronto Raptors rookie Alijah Martin said, “To each his own.”
The courts will decide whether professional veterans can reclaim amateur status, but inside NBA locker rooms, sentiment appears decisive: once a player turns pro, the college door should stay shut.
Source: Hoops Wire
