George Mason University announced on Tuesday that James Nnaji, a 7‑foot center from Makurdi, Nigeria, will join the Patriots' men's basketball program for the 2026‑27 season.
Nnaji arrives after a standout collegiate debut at Baylor University during the 2025‑26 campaign, where he appeared in 17 games and began to showcase the length and mobility that made him the 24th‑ranked prospect in the ESPN Top 100 ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft.
A Player with International Experience
Before college, the Nigerian big man spent four seasons in the EuroLeague, most notably with FC Barcelona, where he refined his post‑play and defensive instincts against some of Europe's top talent.
After being selected 31st overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2023 NBA Draft, Nnaji's rights were transferred to the Charlotte Hornets and later to the New York Knicks in 2024, giving him exposure to NBA Summer League competition with both clubs.
Patriots' Recent Dominance
The Patriots have cemented themselves as one of the A‑10's elite programs, posting a 70‑win stretch over the past three seasons and earning back‑to‑back postseason berths — the first such run since the 2007‑09 era.
Coached by Tony Skinn, the team boasts a top‑100 NET ranking for each of the last three years and will be led on the court by 2025‑26 Preseason All‑A‑10 First Team selection Brayden O'Connor, alongside key contributors Emmanuel Kanga and Malik Presley.
A Recruiting Class to Watch
Nnaji is part of a highly touted freshman class that includes Baraka Okojie and Shane Pendergrass, the latter of whom is the second‑highest ranked recruit in program history, signaling George Mason's intent to maintain its upward trajectory.
The addition of a player with both NBA Draft experience and international pedigree is expected to bolster the Patriots' frontcourt depth and provide a versatile option for Skinn's up‑tempo system as they aim for another deep postseason run.