Michigan State coach Tom Izzo expressed extra concern about school basketball’s future following Baylor touchdown former 2023 NBA Draft decide James Nnaji. It represents an unprecedented transfer after his a number of skilled years in Europe.
Nnaji, who by no means signed an NBA contract, most not too long ago performed with Yukatel Merkezefendi in Turkey on mortgage from Spain’s FC Barcelona. He averaged 7.5 and 4.0 rebounds with Yukatel Merkezefendi. Nnaji and Barcelona mutually agreed to half methods after the 2024-25 season earlier than he performed with the Knicks within the 2025 Summer season League.
Now, Baylor and coach Scott Drew get an instantly eligible 21-year-old 7-footer to assist fill the frontcourt void left by accidents to Juslin Bodo Bodo (arm) and Maikcol Perez (ACL).
“Now we’re taking guys that had been drafted within the NBA and every part?,” Izzo stated. “I stated it to you a month and a half in the past – c’mon Magic (Johnson) and Gary (Harris), let’s go child, let’s do it. Why not? I imply, if that is what we’ll, disgrace on the NCAA. Disgrace on the coaches, too. However disgrace on the NCAA, as a result of coaches are gonna do what they gotta do, I suppose. However the NCAA is the one. These folks on these committees which can be making these selections to permit one thing so ridiculous and never consider the child.
“So everyone talks about me pondering of my program or I am egocentric. No. Get that straight, for all of you. I am pondering of, what’s greatest for my son if he was in that place? And I simply do not agree with it.”
Izzo stated he wish to “ballot 360 coaches” and see what number of agreed with this ruling in favor of Baylor. Izzo beforehand ripped switch portal tradition in August.
“Write this one down: It is gonna get me,” Izzo stated. “I am simply not gonna let it trouble me. Nevertheless it’s gonna get me eventually. Eventually, it is gonna get me. Not that I am too cussed to not ever do something.”
Izzo later directed his criticism towards NCAA president Charlie Baker, although he did not point out him by identify.
“What we have accomplished within the NCAA has been an absolute travesty to me,” Izzo stated. “We’re simply nervous about getting sued and we’re not gonna combat anyone. And I feel management means you combat and also you make selections which can be typically unpopular.”