Amari Bailey played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins before being selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft.
Not even three years later, Bailey is trying to return to college. If he does, Bailey will be the first-ever player to play in the NBA and return to college basketball.
Bailey declared for the draft after his freshman year at UCLA, and despite being viewed as a first-round pick, he went in the second round at No. 41 overall.
On Tuesday, a photo surfaced from Bailey’s visit with Grand Canyon.
Former UCLA and NBA player Amari Bailey on his Grand Canyon official visit.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) February 17, 2026
Per his NIL representatives @MomentousSP, over a dozen schools have expressed interest in Bailey, who plans to finalize additional visits in the coming weeks.
Bailey, a former 5⭐️ recruit, is… https://t.co/Uc70vUb5hn pic.twitter.com/6pDAtiVa9M
And, fans all had the same reaction to the picture.
Fans were confused as to why Bailey is even trying this after what happened with former Alabama center Charles Bediako.
Wait they’re still trying this even after the whole Bediako deal? https://t.co/BryjECspmu
— Pregame Empire (@PregameEmpire) February 17, 2026
He’s still trying this even after the Bediako case? https://t.co/Nqb46o2hOv
— Brian Rauf (@brauf33) February 17, 2026
Didn’t the NCAA already win this case in court with the player on Alabama’s team? https://t.co/XujXJ8yyfu
— Jeff Lightsy Jr. (@jlightsy7) February 17, 2026
What’s the difference btw him and Bediako? https://t.co/GE7lzr7RGV
— Cobi Robertson (@Cobi_R) February 17, 2026
How does anyone think this is doable after Bediako was denied eligibility?
— Chicago Willie (@WilliesBurner19) February 17, 2026
Bediako, who also went pro in 2023, played in 45 total games in the G League. While Bediako did not make an NBA appearance, he wound up going back to Alabama this season, playing in five games.
However, a Tuscaloosa judge denied Bediako’s injunction, meaning he was no longer eligible to play for Alabama.
Bailey’s case is even more surprising, considering he did play in the NBA. Bailey appeared in 10 games for the Hornets in the 2023-24 NBA season before spending time with several G League teams.
Whether or not Bailey is granted college eligibility remains to be seen, but it’s a bad and confusing look for the state of college basketball.
