Former NBA player and ex-UCLA star eyes return to college basketball amid NCAA scrutiny: 'Why not me?'

Bailey spent one season with the Bruins in 2022-23, and averaged 11.2 points per game, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 30 games. He was named to the 2022-23 Pac-12 All-Freshman and the 2023 All-Pac-12 Tournament teams.

Bailey was then cut and spent the last two seasons in the G League. Bailey started to seriously consider a return to college basketball in 2025, but has pondered a possible return to the NCAA after he was drafted in 2023, according to the report.

Bailey said he left UCLA with "a lot to prove left on the table" and that he made mistakes as an 18-year-old, according to ESPN.

Bediako tried to rejoin Alabama, citing that he had eligibility remaining, but was denied by the school. After being denied by the school, Bediako sued the NCAA for denying his request but was granted a temporary restraining order that allows him to play for 10 days.

Bediako has since played two games for the Crimson Tide, despite strong opposition from coaches.

NCAA President Charlie Baker said in December that any player who signed an NBA contract would not be granted collegiate eligibility.