College Basketball Asks Lawmakers For Help
Longtime Gonzaga men’s basketball head coach Mark Few is joining a growing chorus of respected voices raising concerns about the future of college sports.
Across the country, veteran coaches say recent changes — including name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation and unrestricted player movement — have dramatically altered college athletics. What was once a structured system built on development and continuity now feels increasingly unstable.
That concern intensified last week when 21-year-old James Nnaji, a former NBA draft selection, committed to Baylor University and was granted four full years of NCAA eligibility — a ruling that caught many in the college basketball world by surprise.
Following Gonzaga’s decisive 96–56 win over Pepperdine, Few did not hold back when asked about the state of the sport.
“Our lack of leadership has really shown,” Few said afterward. “People are talking about Congress stepping in, but frankly they’re even more disorganized than the NCAA.”
Few added that those shaping college athletics policy need to spend more time listening to coaches who deal with these challenges daily.
Congress Steps In — Then Steps Away
Earlier this year, lawmakers attempted to address NIL concerns through the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsement (SCORE) Act. The proposal quickly ran into resistance on both sides of the aisle, dividing Republicans and drawing pushback from Democrats.
Ultimately, House leadership pulled the bill before a vote could take place, leaving college sports without clear federal guidance.
The result has been continued uncertainty — and growing frustration.
A Unique Eligibility Case
Nnaji’s situation has become a lightning rod in the debate. Selected 31st overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, he was traded on draft night and later moved again before landing with the New York Knicks.
Despite being drafted, Nnaji never appeared in an NBA or G League game. Instead, he spent more than two years playing professionally in Spain while also participating in NBA Summer League competition — a path that allowed him to maintain collegiate eligibility under current rules.
Now returning to college basketball, his move has sparked backlash among coaches who worry about roster disruption and competitive balance.
Coaches Voice Alarm
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo was among those voicing concern, arguing that such rulings disadvantage players already committed to college programs.
“If this is how things are going to operate, shame on the NCAA,” Izzo said. “This hurts players who did everything the right way.”
UConn head coach Dan Hurley echoed the sentiment online, joking that midseason roster additions now resemble holiday deliveries — a comment that underscored growing unease across the sport.
Baylor Responds
Baylor head coach Scott Drew took a more measured approach, emphasizing that his program is operating within existing guidelines.
“We don’t make the rules,” Drew said. “As things change, we adjust to put our program in the best position to succeed. That’s our responsibility.”
A Sport Searching for Direction
For many longtime fans and coaches, the controversy highlights a deeper issue: a lack of consistent leadership in a rapidly changing system.
Until clearer rules and oversight emerge, college basketball is likely to remain in flux — leaving coaches, players, and fans wondering what the future holds.
