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NCAA Tightens Eligibility Rules Amid NBA Contract Controversy

12/31/2025

Summary

Story summary

NCAA President Charlie Baker clarified eligibility rules, stating that players with signed NBA contracts, including two-way deals, cannot play in NCAA.
The guidance follows Baylor's signing of James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA draft pick who has played professionally in Europe but has never signed an NBA contract, drawing criticism from John Calipari and Tom Izzo.
Baker emphasized the NCAA must protect its rules amid legal challenges and international recruitment.

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Story summary

NCAA President Charlie Baker clarified eligibility rules, stating that players with signed NBA contracts, including two-way deals, cannot play in NCAA.
The guidance follows Baylor's signing of James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA draft pick who has played professionally in Europe but has never signed an NBA contract, drawing criticism from John Calipari and Tom Izzo.
Baker emphasized the NCAA must protect its rules amid legal challenges and international recruitment.