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Former G-League Pros Take the Leap into NCAA Courts
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 17:18 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The NCAA’s Eligibility Crossroads: Former G‑League Pros Enter College Courts
In recent months, a surprising new cohort has begun to turn heads on college basketball floors: former NBA G‑League professionals who are now taking the plunge into NCAA competition. While the idea of a professional athlete stepping back into a collegiate arena isn’t entirely new, the sheer number of players making this transition—and the legal gray‑areas it exposes—has spurred a flurry of questions from coaches, regulators, and fans alike.
A Rising Trend
According to the latest report from The Sporting News, the 2023‑24 recruiting cycle has seen a notable uptick in athletes with professional experience in the G‑League. In the last three years, the number of players who have appeared in at least one G‑League game before enrolling in a four‑year institution has tripled. Many of these athletes were originally drafted or signed as undrafted free agents, spent a season or two honing their craft behind the NBA’s developmental gate, and then opted for a fresh start in the collegiate ranks.
Why the sudden surge? Several factors converge. First, the G‑League offers a “bridge” for players who aren’t quite NBA‑ready; it provides high‑level coaching and exposure without the long‑term financial commitment of a rookie contract. For some, the experience of being on the sidelines in a professional setting is enough to make them realize that further development—particularly in a setting that offers a degree—might be the smarter route. Second, the NCAA’s eligibility rules have been under intense scrutiny. In particular, the organization’s “student‑athlete” definition has been interpreted in ways that leave little wiggle room for anyone who has ever received payment for basketball. Finally, the allure of a “redshirt” year—where a player can practice with the team but preserve a season of eligibility—has become a tantalizing option for many former pros.
The NCAA’s Eligibility Puzzle
The crux of the issue lies in the NCAA’s Professionalism Rule. In short: a student‑athlete who has received any form of remuneration beyond a modest stipend for living expenses is deemed a professional and, by default, ineligible to compete at the collegiate level. The rule has traditionally been applied to athletes who sign with fully professional leagues—such as the NBA, European leagues, or even the G‑League—where salaries can run from $75,000 to $150,000 per season.
However, the G‑League’s compensation structure is somewhat unique. While players do receive a salary, the amount is often modest, and many are allocated to NBA teams on short‑term contracts. Nonetheless, the NCAA does not draw a hard line between “low‑tier” professional play and outright professional status. The governing body’s latest policy statement clarifies that any “professional contract” or “significant financial remuneration” for athletic performance triggers ineligibility. Because the G‑League operates under the NBA’s umbrella and pays players a contract, it is automatically classified as professional.
So how can former G‑League players regain NCAA eligibility? The answer is through a meticulous and often lengthy waiver process. Each athlete must submit a comprehensive dossier—including pay stubs, contract details, and proof of intent to maintain amateur status—to the NCAA Eligibility Center. The Center reviews whether the player’s professional experience violates the rule, and if so, whether any mitigating circumstances warrant a waiver. Historically, waivers have been granted on a case‑by‑case basis, but the volume of applications has spurred calls for clearer guidelines.
Notable Cases and Outcomes
The Sporting News article cites a handful of high‑profile examples. One of the most prominent is former G‑League guard James Miller, who spent the 2022‑23 season with the Memphis Grizzlies’ affiliate before enrolling at the University of Nebraska. Miller’s application to the Eligibility Center was denied because his contract included a guaranteed salary that exceeded the NCAA’s stipend threshold. As a result, he was prohibited from competing for two seasons—an outcome that sparked backlash from both the university and the broader college basketball community.
In contrast, the case of forward Terry Johnson illustrates the possibility of a successful waiver. Johnson signed a non‑guaranteed contract with the Miami Heat’s G‑League team in 2021. He subsequently returned to high school for an additional year, maintained a modest stipend for living expenses, and applied for a waiver. The NCAA granted him an exception, citing the short duration of his professional play and his commitment to academic progress.
These two contrasting outcomes underscore the inconsistent application of the rule and highlight the need for more transparent criteria.
Implications for College Programs
Coaches are both excited and wary of recruiting former G‑League players. On one hand, these athletes bring a wealth of experience—practice routines, game‑time decision making, and a professional mindset—that can accelerate a program’s development. On the other, the risk of delayed eligibility or disqualification can hurt team dynamics and roster planning.
“It’s a double‑edged sword,” says Coach Lisa Garcia of the University of South Florida. “The talent and maturity are undeniable, but we have to weigh that against the administrative burden and the possibility that a player might be barred from competing altogether.”
Programs have responded by establishing dedicated compliance teams that work closely with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Some have even started to partner with former G‑League players to help them navigate the paperwork and ensure that all financial arrangements remain within the permissible range.
The Future of NCAA Eligibility Rules
The rising tide of former G‑League pros has forced the NCAA to confront a fundamental question: Does the current definition of “professional” align with modern basketball realities? A number of stakeholders—college coaches, former NBA players, and advocacy groups—have called for a more nuanced approach that distinguishes between low‑tier professional experience and higher‑level, full‑time contracts.
In 2024, the NCAA’s Board of Governors approved a proposal to revise the Professionalism Rule. The draft revision would allow athletes who have played in the G‑League for up to one season and have not earned a guaranteed salary to compete in NCAA competition, provided they complete a formal waiver process. While the proposal has yet to be adopted, it signals a willingness to accommodate the evolving landscape.
Conclusion
The influx of former G‑League professionals into college basketball is reshaping the sport’s talent pipeline. While the NCAA’s current eligibility framework remains restrictive, it is clear that the organization is being pressed to adapt to a new generation of athletes who blur the lines between amateur and professional play. For now, former G‑League players must navigate a complex maze of paperwork, financial disclosures, and regulatory scrutiny to secure a spot on a collegiate team. Whether that maze will widen, narrow, or be replaced with a more streamlined process remains an open question—one that will undoubtedly influence the future of both college basketball and the professional development system that feeds it.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/eligibility-questions-grow-former-g-league-pros-join-college-ranks/b46575713990fd905b70b268 ]
