Mid-Season Surprises: How College Basketball is Changing

College basketball is seeing some unexpected changes. Teams are now signing players who have already been drafted by the NBA. This is happening right in the middle of the season. It's a bit of a shock, but it's also a sign of how the game is evolving. Take James Nnaji, for example. He was picked by the NBA in 2023. But instead of playing in the NBA, he's now joining Baylor University's team. Nnaji has been playing professionally in Europe since 2020. He's got four years of college eligibility left. That's right, four years! It's a bit confusing, but it's all perfectly legal. Baylor isn't the only team doing this. Other schools like Oklahoma, Dayton, BYU, and even Kansas State's women's team have also signed players from Europe. It's becoming a trend. And it's not just about adding talent. It's about adapting to new rules and realities.The NCAA has been slow to adapt. They've spent years fighting against changes. They've tried to hold on to old ideas about amateurism. But the world is moving forward. Players are now allowed to earn money from their name, image, and likeness. They can even sign endorsement deals. The NCAA has been on the losing side of many legal battles. They've spent millions on lawyers and lobbyists. But it hasn't worked. Instead of fighting, the NCAA should have negotiated with players. They could have worked together to make fair rules. But they didn't. Now, we're seeing the results. Players like Nnaji are joining college teams mid-season. It's a bit chaotic, but it's also a sign of progress. The old ways of doing things are changing. College basketball is adapting. It's not always pretty, but it's happening. And it's making the game more interesting.