Amari Bailey Eyes Unique Return to College Basketball

Amari Bailey, a former player for UCLA, is making an ambitious move by aiming to be the first player to transition from the NBA back to college basketball. At just 21 years old, he’s actively pursuing NCAA eligibility while working with both an agent and a lawyer.

“You’re a senior in college now,” Bailey noted in a conversation with ESPN. “I don’t want to be a 27-year-old running track and field in college. That’s not to discredit those athletes; that’s their path. But I played professionally, learned a lot, and faced challenges, so why shouldn’t I give this a shot?”

During the 2022-2023 season, Bailey played for the Bruins, averaging 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 30 games. He earned spots on the Pac-12 All-Freshman team and the All-Pac-12 Tournament team in recognition of his skills.

After his season, Bailey declared for the NBA Draft and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round of the 2023 draft. He played in 10 games for the Hornets during the 2023-2024 season, averaging 2.3 points per game before being waived and spending the next two seasons in the G League. Reports say he started contemplating a return to college basketball in 2025 after his draft experience in 2023.

“I left UCLA with a lot to prove and I think I made some mistakes at 18,” Bailey reflected.

In related news, Alabama’s men’s basketball team recently added Charles Bediako, another standout player who had declared for the 2023 NBA Draft after two seasons there. Bediako had notable achievements such as making the SEC All-Freshman Team and the SEC All-Defensive Team. After going undrafted, he signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs, and although he hasn’t played in the NBA yet, he’s had stints with G League teams.

Interestingly, Bediako attempted to return to Alabama, but the school declined his request. He even filed a lawsuit against the NCAA after being denied eligibility, which led to a temporary restraining order that allowed him to play for a short time.

NCAA President Charlie Baker has indicated that players who sign contracts with the NBA will not be able to return to college basketball, which adds further complexity to Bailey and Bediako’s situations.