Former NBA draft pick James Nnaji leaving Baylor in transfer portal

After a season in which he was the center of an eligibility controversy, Baylor center James Nnaji is entering the transfer portal, per Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.

Nnaji signed with the Bears midseason in December in an unprecedented move, as he became the first player to play in college after being selected in the NBA draft. The Detroit Pistons drafted the 7-footer from Nigeria in the second round in 2023, and the New York Knicks currently hold his rights.

He never played in an NBA game, though, and spent the last three years playing overseas before joining Baylor. The 21-year-old true freshman appeared in 18 games but made a minimal impact, averaging 1.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.2 minutes per game.

Now, Nnaji will seek a new home with three remaining years of eligibility.

Contact/Follow @College_Wire on X and @College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: James Nnaji, former NBA draft pick, leaving Baylor in transfer portal