"Despite being selected 31st overall in the NBA Draft, Nnaji was recently reinstated and will have four seasons of NCAA eligibility. This, despite Nnaji playing professionally for at least three seasons in Europe, including two for powerhouse FC Barcelona. The NCAA's rules also create an entirely arbitrary distinction between student athletes who go directly from high school to professional competition and those who initially enroll in college, later leave for the draft, and then seek to return."
"Bediako's complaint, which was filed in Tuscaloosa Circuit Court on Tuesday, cites multiple G League players who have recently been cleared by the NCAA and Baylor center James Nnaji, who was the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Bediako's complaint also argues that the NCAA has been biased toward international players with professional experience."
Charles Bediako sued the NCAA in Tuscaloosa Circuit Court seeking immediate reinstatement to play for Alabama during the remainder of the 2025-26 season after the school's appeal of his eligibility was denied. Bediako entered the 2023 NBA draft, played multiple seasons in the G League, and posted 10.4 points and 9.3 rebounds in 34 games for the Grand Rapids Gold last season. The complaint cites NCAA decisions clearing other G League and international professionals, including Baylor center James Nnaji, and alleges the NCAA favors international professional players while applying arbitrary distinctions against domestic paths back to college competition.
Read at ESPN.com
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