NCAA President Charlie Baker draws firm line on college eligibility for players with NBA contracts

The NCAA's eligibility rules for athletes with NBA experience have come under scrutiny in 2025, particularly following James Nnaji's enrollment at Baylor University and reports of Chicago Bulls rookie Trentyn Flowers seeking NCAA eligibility.

NCAA President Charlie Baker has taken a firm stance, stating the organization will not grant eligibility to any student-athlete who has signed an NBA contract, including a two-way contract. He expressed concern that recent court decisions blocking NCAA rules are destabilizing and vowed to work with Division I leaders to protect college basketball.

James Nnaji, a second-round NBA draft pick who has played professionally in the EuroLeague but not in an NBA regular-season game, signed with Baylor. His eligibility was cleared last week under rules similar to those for other international players without prior NCAA enrollment or NBA game experience.

Trentyn Flowers, who played two NBA games this season for the Bulls after a stint in Australia, has also been linked to pursuing NCAA eligibility, further highlighting the ongoing debate over the rules.