Michigan State coach Tom Izzo has been a vocal critic of the NCAA transfer portal, arguing that it undermines the stability and integrity of college basketball. He believes that allowing players to switch teams for personal gain, often with encouragement from ‘middlemen,’ disrupts team culture and puts programs that build talent traditionally at a disadvantage.
Izzo further criticizes Baylor’s addition of former NBA draft pick James Nnaji, using this example to illustrate his concern that the current system allows teams to make short-term roster fixes, which, in his view, erodes the developmental spirit of college basketball.
Tom Izzo Slams NCAA for Allowing Coaches to Acquire Former Professional Players To Go Back to College
The Michigan State chief tactician voiced his disappointment about the league’s state of affairs in an interview with the media on Sunday. He argued that the league’s decision betrayed young players who had spent several years developing in college, only to lose opportunities to a former NBA draftee who had stints in the European basketball circuit.
“If that’s what we’re going to, shame on the NCAA. Shame on the coaches, too. But shame on the NCAA, because coaches are gonna do what they gotta do, I guess,” Izzo said. “But the NCAA is the one. Those people on those committees that are making those decisions to allow something so ridiculous and not think of the kid.”
Nnaji was selected in the 2023 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons only to have his rights traded to Charlotte and then New York as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns deal. However, he was not signed, forcing him to play in Europe and participate in the 2025 Summer League.
Technically, he can go back to college, as the seven-footer hasn’t signed a guaranteed NBA or G-League contract after he was drafted. So, Scott Drew and Baylor took advantage of this and signed Nnaji, who is eligible to play four more years in the NCAA.
Izzo Fears for a ‘Draft and Stash’ Future in College Basketball
Izzo clarified that his position isn’t for himself or for the Michigan State program; it is what most college basketball enthusiasts felt about the latest ruling. He said that he is basing this on the perspective of a father who thinks about what’s best for his son.
The Michigan State coach feared that NBA teams could use college basketball as a vehicle to develop their raw skills by using various NCAA programs to guide them. These ballclubs have achieved success in Europe, and with the NCAA’s leniency towards unsigned former NBA draft picks, the “draft and stash” future could become an inevitable reality in years to come.
Izzo then slammed the NCAA leaders for not fighting for what they stand for. He expressed belief that making these unpopular decisions could change the landscape of college basketball in the future.
The question now lies with the league officials on whether they’ll allow more former NBA draftees to come back and play college basketball. There could be coaches who would follow Tom Izzo’s plight in voicing their displeasure over this latest ruling.
