Fort Worth, Texas — Seven-foot center James Nnaji made his much-anticipated debut with Baylor on Saturday during a competitive Big 12 opener against TCU, despite the Bears falling short 69-63. This appearance came after a month of scrutiny regarding his signing, which has sparked discussions among college basketball coaches.

Nnaji, the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has an interesting journey. Having spent the past few years playing overseas, he participated in the summer league but has yet to see any action in the NBA. His introduction to the Baylor roster was a strategic move prompted by injuries within the team. In 16 minutes of play, Nnaji scored five points and grabbed four rebounds, showcasing glimpses of the talent that caught the attention of scouts.

TCU’s victory marked an important milestone for the team, ending a five-game home losing streak against Baylor. Micah Robinson led the Horned Frogs with 13 points and added 10 rebounds, while Xavier Edmonds and Liutauras Lelevicius provided critical support with 12 and 11 points, respectively. The win improved TCU’s record to 11-3 overall and gave them their first conference triumph.

As Nnaji took the court for the first time, he received a mixed reception from the crowd—boos from TCU fans and cheers from Baylor supporters. His initial impact was felt immediately as he scored his first points with a putback dunk, amidst the contrasting reactions from the audience. “He arrived after Christmas and hasn’t played 5-on-5 since the summer, so it will take some time to get back into rhythm,” said Baylor coach Scott Drew about Nnaji’s late entry into the season.

Usually a high-scoring unit, the Bears entered the game with an impressive scoring average of 96 points per game but struggled against TCU’s defense. Baylor managed only 63 points, marking their season low. Cameron Carr led the Bears with 17 points, while Dan Skillings Jr. contributed 13. Despite a late push that cut the deficit to four points, the Bears couldn’t capitalize on crucial scoring opportunities in the final minutes.

Looking ahead, Nnaji and his teammates will face a challenging matchup against No. 3 Iowa State at home on Wednesday. This game will provide another opportunity for both Nnaji to find his footing and for Baylor to bounce back after a tough start in conference play. As the season progresses, the Bears will need to rely on collaboration and continuity to regain their offensive momentum.