The heart of January is where women’s college basketball reveals its truth. By this stage of the season, teams can no longer rely on reputation, early momentum, or theoretical upside. Conference play strips away insulation quickly, familiar opponents expose habits, travel tests focus, and physical games challenge both depth and resolve.

The 2025–26 college basketball season has officially crossed the halfway mark, and the men’s freshman class is showing its true mettle. From the mountain peaks of Provo to the storied halls of Cameron Indoor,

NCAA president Charlie Baker said in a statement this week players with NBA contracts aren't eligible to play college basketball.

Moving forward, a more practical transfer window will be in place, with college basketball's "free agency" period waiting to commence until after all the games have been played. The decision was made amid the NCAA's annual convention, which is being held this week in Washington, D.C.

As the calendar flips to 2026 and the college basketball schedule turns to conference play, the biggest story in the sport isn't about what's happening on the court. It's about James Nnaji, who became the first former NBA draft pick to be cleared by the NCAA and signed with Baylor on Christmas Eve.

Onetime NBA draft pick James Nnaji drew plenty of boos in his college debut with Baylor at TCU. The 7-foot center from Nigeria finished with five points and four rebounds in the Bears' 69-63 loss to the Horned Frogs.

Nov 27, 2025; Kissimmee, Florida, USA; Brigham Young University Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) is guarded by Miami (FL) Hurricanes forward Shelton Henderson (7) in the second half at State Farm Field House. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ...