FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University men's basketball head coach Tony Skinn ('06) announced Thursday that James Nnaji will join the program beginning with the 2026-27 season.
A 7-foot center from Makurdi, Nigeria, Nnaji suited up for Baylor University during his first collegiate season in 2025-26.
"James brings true size to our team and helps significantly with our frontcourt depth," Skinn said. "He's a big, physical body that you don't often see at the A-10 level. James has great hands and a strong feel for his position. His athleticism is what we needed to complete our roster."
The 21-year old began his basketball career overseas, where he competed in four EuroLeague seasons, primarily with FC Barcelona. He saw action with the club's A Team in 2021-22 while making thirteen caps for the Azulgranas.
Nnaji's European production earned him interest from several NBA Teams and he was ranked as the 24th-best prospect in the ESPN Top 100 ahead of the 2023 Draft. The Detroit Pistons selected Nnaji with the 31st pick in the second round. His rights were traded to the Hornets and then to the New York Knicks in 2024 alongside Karl Anthony-Towns as part of a three-team trade.
He competed in the NBA Summer League for the Hornets in 2023 and Knicks in 2025 while continuing to play in Europe during those seasons.
Nnaji made his collegiate debut with Baylor this past season, where he appeared in 17 games and averaged 8.5 minutes/contest.
About The Patriots
Led by 2025 A-10 Coach of the Year Tony Skinn ('06), George Mason men's basketball has won an impressive 70 games over the past three seasons and is one of just three A-10 programs to post a top-100 NET ranking in each of those campaigns. George Mason has made back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2007-09.
The Patriots will be led by 2025-25 Preseason All-A-10 First Team selection Brayden O'Connor and key contributors Emmanuel Kanga and Malik Presley. The nationally ranked Patriot transfer class features
Baraka Okojie, who earned A-10 All-Rookie honors as a freshman at Mason and garnered First Team All-SoCon accolades at Mercer last season. George Mason's incoming freshman class includes Upper Marlboro, Md., native
Shane Pendergrass, the second-highest ranked recruit in program history.
Secure Your Seats Today!
2026-27 Men's Basketball season ticket renewals were due June 16. Current season ticket holders will maintain access to their seat locations until July 31. Contact the Athletic Ticket Office at 703-993-3270 or your individual account representative listed on your invoice before it's too late and lock in your seats today!
Interested in becoming a season ticket holder for 2026-27?
New season deposits are available for $50 per ticket while seat selection set to occur in early July. Place a deposit today.
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Fill out a ticket interest form to be contacted by an assigned account representative.
