A historic first! The 31st pick leaves the NBA to join the NCAA! How is this even possible?

Recall when Lin Wei joined Oregon, he once said:

He became the first Chinese player to compete in the NCAA as a professional athlete.

I thought it was already groundbreaking not to be the big man at Nanjing Tongxi and instead opt for college basketball.

But unexpectedly, something even more impressive happened:

Yesterday, in an NCAA match, Baylor University was defeated 63-69 by Texas Christian University.

James Naji made his NCAA debut, playing 16 minutes and scoring 5 points with 4 rebounds.

Who is this player?

In 2024, the Knicks, Timberwolves, and Hornets made a trade mainly involving Towns and Randle, through which New York acquired role player James Naji from the Hornets (signing rights).

In other words, he is an NBA player now playing in the NCAA.

Last December, 21-year-old Naji chose to move "backwards" from the professional stage to join Baylor University in the NCAA, becoming the first player in NBA draft history to switch to college basketball after being drafted.

How is this possible?

The NCAA approved his eligibility on the grounds that he never signed an official NBA contract nor participated in regular season games, allowing him to keep four years of playing eligibility at Baylor.

Here’s the situation: Naji was picked 31st overall in the 2023 second round by the Pistons, then his signing rights were traded multiple times to the Knicks, but he never signed a formal NBA contract and only played 11 summer league games for the Hornets and Knicks, averaging 3.5 points and 5.1 rebounds.

An NBA player without an official NBA contract going to play college basketball.

Before being drafted by the NBA, this Nigerian player joined Spanish powerhouse Barcelona in 2020, winning the ACB league title with the team, but only averaged 9.6 minutes, contributing 3.8 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

At the time, he was seen as having the potential to become an excellent rim protector, with scouting reports comparing him to Capela.

Unfortunately, due to his raw skills, he didn’t get many opportunities, so he carved out a new path.

His route has caused a huge stir in the NCAA.

The league allowing NBA draftees to return to college has been criticized as a "system collapse."

Michigan State Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo said he has already called Baylor’s head coach Scott Drew, eager to hear his thoughts...

“If this becomes the norm, it will be a disgrace for the NCAA and all coaches.”

Giannis, upon hearing the news, joined the fun by posting: Sitting in my living room with all kinds of random thoughts, do I qualify for college? Can I play for Marquette tonight? Unexpectedly, Marquette actually took it seriously and immediately posted a photoshopped picture of Giannis in their jersey, welcoming the NBA superstar.

Meanwhile, in Shanghai, Lofton announced on social media a few days ago: “I will return to my college alma mater Louisiana Tech,” sparking speculation about his possible departure from the Shanghai Sharks.

Turns out, this was just a playful jab at the James Naji situation by “Little Fatty.”

According to the traditional way we’ve always viewed basketball, the NCAA has been seen as the NBA’s talent development base, a breeding ground. So why has it changed now?

If the NCAA opens the door after Naji, the rules could truly become chaotic.

The root cause lies in one policy: NIL income.

Let me explain it simply:

Now, NCAA athletes can earn money through their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

Here are some examples:

1. Flagg played only one year at Duke but earned $28 million from NIL. This includes a $13 million endorsement deal with New Balance and a $15 million licensing contract with Fanatics.

Besides that, as the new face of America, he also endorses sports drinks, so the total amount is even higher.

2. The 2026 top prospect, Dybansa, earned over $7 million through NIL before playing a single college game.

3. Bronny earned over $6 million in NIL income during his year at USC.

His salary with the Lakers this season is $1.96 million.

In the past, we always said college basketball was pure, full of “passion,” “youth,” and “dreams.”

But today’s NCAA has evolved into a highly commercialized quasi-professional league.

What happens when players prioritize money?

1. The wealthier schools gain an advantage in recruiting.

2. Even if I have NBA prospects, if it’s uncertain, I’d rather play in the NCAA!

Many players who originally had second-round NBA potential choose to stay in college because their NIL earnings exceed the minimum pro league salary.

3. Youth training aiming at European powerhouses.

Top prospects from basketball strongholds like Germany, Spain, and France are increasingly heading to the NCAA.

Tell me, with such craziness in March Madness, is the NCAA still crazy?