"Former UCLA standout Amari Bailey's attempt to be the first NBA player to return to college basketball is taking a step forward. Bailey, who was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2023 and played in the NBA on a two-way contract, has set up his first official recruiting visit to Grand Canyon University, sources told ESPN. He is aiming to return to college for the 2026-27 season."
"Bailey told ESPN last week he is attempting to be the first player to return to college basketball after playing in NBA games. "It's not a stunt," Bailey told ESPN's Dan Murphy on Jan. 30. "I'm really serious about going back. I just want to improve my game, change the perception of me and just show that I can win.""
Amari Bailey has arranged an official recruiting visit to Grand Canyon University and aims to return to college basketball for the 2026–27 season. Bailey was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2023 and played on a two-way NBA contract, appearing in 10 NBA games. The NCAA will not grant him eligibility because he signed an NBA contract and played in NBA games, so a court ruling would be required to restore his college eligibility. Grand Canyon aggressively pursued Bailey and will host him for a game; the visit does not change his current eligibility status. Grand Canyon is 15-7, 8-3 in league play, and recently joined the Mountain West under coach Bryce Drew.
Read at ESPN.com
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