While former UCLA Bruins player Amari Bailey reached his goal of playing in the NBA, that time of his life is over at least for now. Bailey, though, has a dream of going back and playing in the college basketball ranks.
Bailey is seeking to have his eligibility reinstated after playing 10 games in the NBA for the Charlotte Hornets. Bailey also was signed by the Brooklyn Nets, but he never saw any game action.
Who Is Former NBA Player Amari Bailey?
Bailey said in an interview with ESPN’s Dan Murphy that “he is attempting to become the first basketball player to return to college after playing in NBA games.”
Bailey played a role in getting the UCLA Bruins to the Sweet 16 of the 2022-23 season’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. In that season, Bailey averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He also shot 49.5% from the floor, and 38.9% from behind the 3-point arc.
In the 2023 NBA Draft, Bailey was selected by the Hornets with the No. 41 overall pick. In his 10 games with the Hornets, Bailey averaged 2.3 points in 6.5 minutes per game, and all of his action took place in his rookie season.
If Bailey had stayed in college, he’d be entering his fourth season with UCLA. Bailey is 21 years old.
“Right now I’d be a senior in college,” Bailey told ESPN in an interview. “I’m not trying to be 27 years old playing college athletics. No shade to the guys that do; that’s their journey. But I went to go play professionally and learned a lot, went through a lot. So like, why not me?”
Bailey’s case happens to be the latest involving a former NBA player seeking reinstatement into college basketball. Charles Bediako, who never actually saw action in an NBA game, was given his eligibility back to go play for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Bediako already has played in a game this season for Alabama.
Back in September 2024, the Brooklyn Nets signed Bailey. But the team waived Bailey in October. Bailey also played for G-League teams, including the Greensboro Storm, Long Island Nets, and Iowa Wolves.
Bailey has stated that he will be reaching out to other programs, and he wants to play for a team that will compete for a national championship in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. “It’s not a stunt,” Bailey said. “I’m really serious about going back. I just want to improve my game, change the perception of me and just show that I can win.”
Can Bailey become the latest former NBA player to get back into the college ranks? That remains to be seen at this moment.
