Scott Drew addresses criticism from James Nnaji acquisition

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Baylor men’s basketball has been the talk of the town in the college basketball world the last few days after it was announced former NBA Draft selection James Nnaji would be joining the team midseason.

Nnaji, a 7-foot Nigerian center, was selected 31st overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. His NBA rights were later traded to the Charlotte Hornets and eventually the New York Knicks. Outside of the NBA, the 21-year-old has four years of pro experience in the EuroLeague.

Since Nnaji never actually played in the NBA, he was recently granted four years of college eligibility by the NCAA.

Baylor’s addition of Nnaji has sparked debate on whether a former professional player should be able to play college basketball.

Longtime Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo commented on the Nnaji acquisition, saying “I’m a little surprised. I’ve got a call in to Scott. I’m anxious to see what he tells me. If we’re dipping into guys who were drafted to the NBA, shame on the NCAA. And shame on the coaches, too.”

In a Baylor media availability on Sunday, Scott Drew did confirm a phone call took place with Izzo. He said the phone call went over well.

“Coach Izzo and I are friends, and I got a lot of respect for him,” said Drew. “Great conversation. As he said, most coaches are 99% aligned on things that we would like to see done with our game.”

Drew also expressed that a collective bargaining agreement should take place in college basketball and NCAA athletics soon.

“In my knowledge, until we get to collective bargaining, I don’t think we can come up with rules that are agreeable and forceable,” said Drew. “Until that, all of us have to be ready to adjust and adapt to what’s out there.”

As for the Bears, the players are looking forward to adding a key piece to a depleted seven-man rotation. Sophomore guard Cameron Carr, who was a midseason Tennessee transfer in 2024, said they’re welcoming in Nnaji with open arms.

“We don’t have any negative views on it,” said Carr. “I was a midseason transfer last year, and I feel like I got a lot of hate for it. You kind of just have to accept the role you step into and know that it’s not going to be easy. We’re excited to have him and get to meet him and just learn how he plays.”

Baylor confirmed Nnaji will not be available for their final nonconference game against Arlington Baptist on Monday, though they expect him to hit the floor in early Big 12 play.

The Bears open conference play on the road at TCU on Saturday, January 3.

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