Former NBA Draft Pick James Nnaji Enters Transfer Portal After Underwhelming Baylor Stint

Baylor big man James Nnaji, the former 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, will enter the transfer portal, according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express.

Following significant injuries to Baylor’s frontcourt leading into the 2025-2026 season, head coach Scott Drew and Co. looked elsewhere for help and added Njaji, the former NBA draft pick, at the midseason mark in a desperate attempt to round out the depleted roster with some depth.

The addition caused major backlash across college basketball, as Nnaji became the first NBA Draftee to return to college basketball, even though he had never played an NBA game. To make matters worse, the NCAA granted him four years of eligibility.

Nnaji, however, never panned out, playing in just 18 games and averaging 1.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 8.2 minutes per game. He got minimal playing time over the back half of conference play, with his game season-high in points (7) and minutes played (18) coming in a loss to Louisville on Feb. 14.