"That chance encounter started a domino effect that made Nnaji -- the No. 31 pick in the 2023 NBA draft and the first drafted men's basketball player to be cleared by the NCAA -- the face of the season's biggest controversy. Baylor's Christmas Eve announcement of his signing sparked immediate criticism from legendary coaches such as Tom Izzo and John Calipari. Opposing fans booed his debut at TCU."
"And the condemnation rippled through social media, where he opened his recently reactivated Instagram account to a wave of digital hate mail. 'I was getting a lot of insults and cuss words from people -- like really, really, really rude things coming towards me,' Nnaji said. 'I was like, 'But what did I do, man?' I'm as young as everybody in here.'"
"On an October networking trip to Baylor, Deirunas Visockas -- a former Boston College reserve turned agent -- learned the Bears were struggling with injuries and needed a big man. He happened to represent a player who fit the bill and was in search of an opportunity to reboot his career. 'I said, 'What about James Nnaji, if we could explore that route? Would you guys be interested?'' Visockas told ESPN. 'And here we are now.'"
Deirunas Visockas, an agent and former Boston College reserve, proposed James Nnaji to Baylor after learning the team needed a big man due to injuries. Nnaji, a 7-footer from Nigeria and the No. 31 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, had played professionally in Europe and appeared in NBA summer league, but never signed an NBA contract. Nnaji remained within the five-year window of his expected high school graduation and met NCAA eligibility requirements. Baylor announced his signing on Christmas Eve, prompting criticism from prominent coaches, booing from opposing fans, and waves of hostile messages on social media.
Read at ESPN.com
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