Tom Izzo criticizes NCAA for being ‘ashamed’ of allowing NBA draft pick James Nnaji to play at Baylor

Tom Izzo didn’t hesitate to criticize the NCAA.

He overruled the decision to allow James Nnaji to become eligible and play for Baylor.

Nnaji was the No. 31 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, and after the Knicks acquired him from the Hornets as part of the three-team Karl-Anthony Towns trade prior to last season, he played on their summer league team a few months ago.

But he didn’t make the Knicks’ roster, and since he has never signed an NBA contract, the NCAA ruled that he will receive four years of college credit, effective immediately.

“Now we’re bringing guys who got drafted into the NBA and stuff?” Izzo said Saturday. “I told you guys a month and a half ago – come on, Magic (Johnson) and Gary (Harris), let’s go baby, let’s do it. Why not? I mean, if that’s what we’re going to do, shame on the NCAA. Shame on the coaches, too. But shame on the NCAA, because coaches are going to do what they have to do, I guess. But the NCAA is the one. Those people on those committees that make those decisions to allow something so ridiculous and not think about the kid.

“So everyone says I think about my program, otherwise I’m selfish. No. Say that clearly, in front of all of you. I think about it, what’s best for my son if he’s in that position? And I just don’t agree with it.”

Nnaji played several seasons overseas after being drafted, but left this summer in an attempt to start his NBA career.

But he struggled in summer league with the Knicks, who still own his draft rights.

Now he can work with Baylor immediately.

“What we did at the NCAA, to me, was an absolute travesty,” Izzo said. “We’re just afraid of being taken to court and we’re not going to fight anyone. And I think leadership means you fight and you make decisions that are sometimes unpopular.”