Tom Izzo is not pleased with the state of college basketball, and he is willing to criticize his peers by name if he thinks it is justified.
The Baylor Bears exploited a rules loophole to add 21-year-old center James Nnaji to their team, even though Nnaji has been selected in the NBA Draft. Nnaji was taken 31st overall in 2023, but never signed an NBA contract and spent each of the last two seasons playing in Europe.
Izzo is very much a traditionalist, and unsurprisingly, he was staunchly opposed to the move. He even said he called Baylor coach Scott Drew to figure out what was going on.
“I don’t know the whole situation. I’m a little disappointed. Scott’s a good friend of mine,” Izzo said. “I asked Coen (Carr), ‘would you be okay if I went and got Miles (Bridges) and brought him back?’ He laughed, but that’s what we’re doing. Somebody’s sitting. Somebody’s not playing. And I just don’t think that’s fair for the players. Some of them worked their butt off to get to this position.
“I’m a little surprised. I’ve got a call in to Scott. I’m anxious to see what he tells me. I’m not saying that we’re holier than thou art or anybody should not do this or that, but if that’s what we’re going to do, shame on the NCAA. Shame on the coaches, too, but shame on the NCAA, because coaches are going to do what they’ve got to do, I guess.”
Tom Izzo was asked about James Nnaji enrolling at Baylor. Nnaji, 21, was selected 31st in the 2023 NBA Draft but he never signed an NBA contract, choosing instead to play professionally in Europe, before appearing with the Knicks in the 2025 Summer League. Here's Izzo's answer: pic.twitter.com/yPWHLyy6Sw
— Spartans Illustrated (@Spartans_Illo) December 27, 2025
Because Nnaji never actually signed an NBA contract, he is eligible to play at the NCAA level. He gets a full four years of eligibility, while the New York Knicks still own his NBA rights.
Izzo is far from alone in finding this ridiculous. It certainly goes against the spirit of college athletics, even if not specifically the letter of the law.
While Izzo is adapting to the changes in college sports, he has made no secret of how much he hates them. It sounds like he would not have made this move were the opportunity presented to him.
Izzo has Michigan State off to an 11-1 start after an Elite Eight appearance last season. He may not like what is going on, but he is still finding a way to win in this environment.
