Amari Bailey Seeks College Eligibility After 10 NBA Games

Former UCLA basketball standout Amari Bailey is on a quest to gain NCAA eligibility after participating in 10 NBA games. At 21, Bailey aims to be the first player to transition back to college sports following professional experience. He has hired both an agent and a lawyer to assist him in navigating the complex rules of the NCAA.

Bailey’s Journey and Aspirations

Bailey played a single season at UCLA during the 2022-23 academic year. After being selected in the 2023 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets, he signed a two-way contract. This allowed him to play 10 games in the NBA and spend the rest of his time in the G League. However, he was cut from the team last summer.

Reflecting on his college experience, Bailey acknowledged feeling he had “a lot to prove left on the table.” He stated he began considering a return to college athletics earnestly in 2025, even as he pondered his eligibility since being drafted. “Right now I’d be a senior in college,” Bailey remarked, expressing his desire to return and improve his skills.

NCAA Regulations and Legal Challenges

The NCAA prohibits players who have signed an NBA contract from re-entering college sports. NCAA president Charlie Baker confirmed that the association would not grant eligibility to anyone with a signed NBA contract. However, there are legal precedents that challenge this policy.

• Charles Bediako, an Alabama forward, won a state court injunction allowing him to play for his college team despite signing an NBA contract.
• This decision has stirred significant debate about the NCAA’s enforcement of its eligibility rules.

Bailey’s attorney, Elliot Abrams, points out the inconsistency in the NCAA’s approach. He believes that Bailey’s limited experience in the NBA should not exclude him from competing in college basketball. Comparatively, former NBA players like James Nnaji were granted eligibility after playing professionally in Europe—casting doubt on the fairness of the NCAA’s regulations.

Future Prospects

Bailey is intent on improving his game and ultimately aiming for the NCAA tournament. He plans to reach out to various college teams to gauge interest in joining their rosters for the 2026-27 season. The NCAA’s waiver process will be pivotal to his return. If denied, Bailey and his legal team are prepared to challenge this decision in court.

Amari Bailey continues to train rigorously and is contemplating the best fit for his comeback. His aim is clear: to demonstrate leadership and lead a team towards NCAA success.

This situation amplifies ongoing discussions about the evolving landscape of college athletics, the financial dynamics involved, and the implications of transitioning between professional and amateur sports.