Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo didn’t hold back in criticizing the NCAA for recently granting James Nnaji four years of eligibility despite Nnaji having been drafted by an NBA team, playing professionally overseas and participating in NBA summer league games.
“Now we’re taking guys that were drafted in the NBA and everything?” Izzo said to reporters Saturday, adding a mention of former Michigan State stars. “I said it to you a month and a half ago — ‘C’mon Magic (Johnson) and Gary (Harris), let’s go baby, let’s do it.’ Why not?”
Nnaji, a 21-year-old 7-footer from Nigeria, reportedly committed to Baylor this week after being declared eligible by the NCAA. He could play in the Bears’ Big 12 Conference opener at TCU on Jan. 3.
What has drawn the ire of Izzo and others is Nnaji’s recent history. He was selected 31st by the Detroit Pistons in the 2023 NBA Draft, and his rights were traded to the Charlotte Hornets and then the New York Knicks. He has not played in an NBA regular-season game, but he played in the NBA Summer League for the Hornets in 2023 and for the Knicks in 2025. Nnaji also played in Hungary and Spain.
“If that’s what we’re going to, shame on the NCAA,” Izzo said. “Shame on the coaches, too. But shame on the NCAA, because coaches are gonna do what they gotta do, I guess. But the NCAA is the one. Those people on those committees that are making those decisions to allow something so ridiculous and not think of the kid.
“So everybody talks about me thinking of my program or I’m selfish. No. Get that straight, for all of you. I’m thinking of, what is best for my son if he was in that position? And I just don’t agree with it.
“Why fight city hall? I’m not going to fight city hall. I’m just not going to stick up for it, either. … I’d like to poll 360 of the coaches and see how many are in favor of what’s going on.”
Other players have joined NCAA programs after playing pro ball, including guard Thierry Darlan, who committed to Santa Clara in September and was given two years of eligibility after spending two years in the G League. He was the first pro athlete to obtain NCAA eligibility.
Guard London Johnson, who joined Louisville this month, has played professionally since 2022 — two seasons as a member of G League Ignite and then stints with the Maine Celtics and Cleveland Charge. Izzo was also outraged by that NCAA decision.
Tom Izzo was asked about James Nnaji enrolling at Baylor. Nnaji, 21, was selected 31st in the 2023 NBA Draft but he never signed an NBA contract, choosing instead to play professionally in Europe, before appearing with the Knicks in the 2025 Summer League. Here’s Izzo’s answer: pic.twitter.com/yPWHLyy6Sw
— Spartans Illustrated (@Spartans_Illo) December 27, 2025
