It’s a pick and enroll.
James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA Draft pick, has enrolled at Baylor and is immediately eligible to play for the Bears this season, according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express.
It’s an unusual development for a draft pick to return to school, but the loophole is simple: Nnaji, 21, never signed an NBA contract.
The Nigerian big man, then just 18 years old, was taken 31st overall by the Hornets in 2023 but instead continued his career overseas.
His draft rights were then acquired by the Knicks in the three-team trade that brought superstar Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks before the 2024-25 season.
Nnaji has spent the bulk of his international career with FC Barcelona, but he split last season between Spain and Turkey.
In 22 total games split between Bàsquet Girona and Turkey’s Yukatel Merkezefendi last season, he averaged 6.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and one block in just over 16 minutes per game.
This past summer, his agent, Gerard Raventos, told The Post that Nnaji was pursuing a career in the United States and joined the Knicks’ summer league squad.
“Hopefully after [the summer league], we can reach an agreement,” Raventos said. “That’s the plan, from both sides. It’s 50/50, it depends how he does. He’s coming in great shape. … Everything will be based on his performances in the Summer League.”
In five summer league contests, Nnaji averaged 3.2 points and 3.6 rebounds over five games.
The Knicks did not sign Nnaji to the NBA team, and now he is set to resume his career in the US at the collegiate level.
With the move, Nnaji could suit up for the 9-2 Baylor Bears as soon as Baylor’s Big 12 opener Jan. 3 against TCU.
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