Amari Bailey’s College Return: Updates on Former NBA Draft Pick’s Journey
Amari Bailey, the former Charlotte Hornets guard, is working on returning to college basketball after a brief stint in the NBA. According to ESPN’s Dan Murphy, Bailey expressed his ambitions to play for one more college season, noting, “Right now I’d be a senior in college.”
Amari Bailey’s Journey from NBA to College Basketball
At only 21 years old, Bailey is exploring ways to regain his NCAA eligibility. He has hired both an agent and a lawyer to navigate this process. His previous collegiate experience was with the UCLA Bruins during the 2022-2023 season.
NBA Career Highlights
- Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round, 41st overall, in the 2023 NBA Draft.
- Played 10 regular-season games on a two-way contract.
- Averaged 2.3 points over 6.5 minutes per game.
- Competed in the NBA G League with teams including the Long Island Nets and Iowa Wolves.
Bailey’s NBA journey was relatively short. He was cut from the G League during the 2025 offseason after spending two seasons in the league.
Examining NCAA Eligibility Trends
The current college basketball landscape is witnessing shifting eligibility trends. Just recently, Alabama center Charles Bediako made headlines by signing an NBA contract and then returning to college. Bediako secured a two-way deal with the San Antonio Spurs but did not participate in any regular-season games.
His case highlighted a complex aspect of NCAA rules, as his initial eligibility request was denied. However, judicial intervention allowed him to return after he sued the NCAA.
Comparing Cases: Bailey and Bediako
Bailey believes that his limited exposure in the NBA should not set him apart from players who have navigated similar transitions. He referred to James Nnaji, who had a smoother transition to Baylor after not playing in the NBA and opting for international competition instead.
Now, Amari Bailey seeks to become the next former professional to successfully transition back to college basketball. His efforts reflect the evolving dynamics of student-athlete eligibility in today’s sports environment.
