Free agent G Amari Bailey is “attempting to become the first basketball player to return to college after playing in NBA games.” Bailey, 21, has “hired an agent and a lawyer to prepare to fight for NCAA eligibility with hopes to join a college team and play one more season.” Bailey played one season at UCLA in 2022-23 before entering the 2023 NBA Draft, where he was selected by the Hornets in the second round. He played in 10 games during his rookie season on a two-way contract and spent two years in the G League before being cut over the summer. NCAA SVP/External Affairs Tim Buckley responded, “The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any players who have signed an NBA contract.” Bailey “plans to begin speaking with schools in the near future about next season.” He said that he “doesn’t have a specific team in mind.” His new team would have to “petition the NCAA for a waiver to allow him to play.” If the NCAA denies the waiver request, Bailey and his attorney “could file a lawsuit in state or federal court to challenge the decision” (ESPN.com, 1/30).
Here is a sampling of social media reaction:
- CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander: “A draft deadline has existed for DECADES to vet and guard against these kinds of regrettable choices. Amari Bailey wasn’t forced to leave UCLA after averaging 11.2 points. Decisions have consequences. Live with them instead of trying to litigate your way back to a lower level.”
- ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla: “No offense to Amari Bailey, but if you are a head coach and staff, you say “No, thank you.” Don’t waste your energy."
- On3’s Rob Holmes IV: “What is college basketball about to look like if the Amari Bailey situation ends up actually being legal?”
