Mid-Season Surprises: How College Basketball is Changing

College basketball is witnessing some surprising shifts. Teams are now signing players who have already been drafted by the NBA, and this is happening mid-season. While it's a bit of a shock, it's also a clear sign of how the game is evolving.

The Case of James Nnaji

Take James Nnaji, for example. He was drafted by the NBA in 2023, but instead of joining an NBA team, he's now heading to Baylor University. Nnaji has been playing professionally in Europe since 2020 and still has four years of college eligibility left. Yes, four years! It's a bit confusing, but it's entirely legal.

A Growing Trend

Baylor isn't the only school making this move. Other teams like Oklahoma, Dayton, BYU, and even Kansas State's women's team have also signed players from Europe. This is becoming a trend, and it's not just about adding talent—it's about adapting to new rules and realities.

The NCAA's Struggle to Adapt

The NCAA has been slow to adapt. For years, they've fought against change, clinging to outdated ideas about amateurism. But the world is moving forward. Players can now earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) and even sign endorsement deals. The NCAA has lost many legal battles, spending millions on lawyers and lobbyists—all to no avail.

Instead of resisting, the NCAA should have negotiated with players to create fair rules. But they didn't. Now, we're seeing the results: players like Nnaji joining college teams mid-season. It's a bit chaotic, but it's also a sign of progress.

The Future of College Basketball

The old ways are changing. College basketball is adapting—sometimes messily, but undeniably. And it's making the game more interesting.