Former UCLA guard Amari Bailey seeks shocking return to college basketball after already playing NBA games

Amari Bailey’s appeal to extend the boundaries of modern college basketball eligibility is drawing national attention. The former UCLA guard, now 21, is attempting something no player has done before. He wants to return to college basketball after appearing in regular season NBA games. Bailey’s pursuit is surprising considering the fact that he already made NBA appearances. Outside the major league, however, Bailey is looking to extend his basketball career. Although the move made immediate headlines, it’s understandable as the rising NBA star is not entirely happy with leaving college halfway.Amari Bailey played one season at UCLA during the 2022–23 campaign before entering the NBA Draft. Selected in the second round by the Charlotte Hornets, he appeared in 10 NBA games on a two-way contract and spent time developing in the G League. Despite gaining professional experience, Bailey said the decision to leave college early still weighs on him."Right now I'd be a senior in college," Bailey told ESPN. "I'm not trying to be 27 years old playing college athletics. No shade to the guys that do; that's their journey. But I went to go play professionally and learned a lot, went through a lot. So, like, why not me?"Bailey has hired both an agent and an attorney as he prepares to seek a waiver that would allow him to play one more college season. "It's not a stunt," Bailey said. "I'm really serious about going back. I just want to improve my game, change the perception of me and just show that I can win."He would still fall within the NCAA’s five-year eligibility window and believes that limited NBA minutes should not outweigh his age or development goals.The NCAA has maintained a firm stance. NCAA senior vice president of external affairs Tim Buckley reiterated the association’s position when asked about Bailey’s case."The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any players who have signed an NBA contract," Buckley said. "Congress can strengthen NCAA rules so professional athletes cannot sue their way back to competing against college students."NCAA president Charlie Baker shared similar concerns earlier this season, warning that court rulings allowing professional players to return could reduce opportunities for high school recruits.Bailey’s legal team argues that enforcement has lacked consistency. His attorney, Elliot Abrams, questioned the logic behind permanently barring players with brief NBA experience."You've got a college-aged kid who wants to go to college, and you've got a system that says, 'Too bad, you've gone to a different league so you're out forever,'" Abrams said. "I don't see any real justification for it."Bailey continues to train twice daily in Southern California while preparing to speak with potential programs.