Amari Bailey is the first basketball player attempting to go from the NBA back to college hoops.
Bailey, who has played 10 NBA games with the Charlotte Hornets after playing one season at UCLA, set up his first official visit with Grand Canyon University, a Division 1 program in the Mountain West Conference.
Sources: Former UCLA and NBA basketball player Amari Bailey has has set up an official recruiting visit to Grand Canyon University, his first official visit. The school aggressively pitched him on their vision and plans to host him Wednesday for the game against New Mexico. pic.twitter.com/9GN6obyJL0
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 6, 2026
The internet is exploding with jokes about Bailey potentially being the first player with NBA experience to return to college if he receives an eligibility ruling from a court..
We’re finally about to test the worst NBA player on a college team theory https://t.co/wA9fH1Omkk
— Dylan Watson (@dylan_watson02) February 6, 2026
He should take a visit to LinkedIn’s HQ
— Ry Dawg (@Goo_blueee) February 6, 2026
If he’s allowed to play, there’s literal grounds for LeBron to join Arizona tomorrow. https://t.co/fa2Y3txsgW
— 🃏 (@primmzx) February 6, 2026
I hear Giannis is visiting Texas Tech soon as well pic.twitter.com/7JbdyEfDsA
— The Portal Report (@ThePortalReport) February 6, 2026
If Bailey is granted eligibility, college basketball will never be the same.