The Big Ten Conference issued a new rule Monday related to the eligibility of men’s and women’s basketball players.
Here’s the language the league released today:
“The Big Ten Conference announced Monday the unanimous adoption of a conference rule to prohibit men’s and women’s basketball players who have signed a professional contract with the NBA, G-League or WNBA or any team that is a member of any such league, were on a roster for an NBA, G-League or WNBA team at any point or declared for the NBA or WNBA Draft but did not withdraw or declare an intent to return to college within the required timeframe, from maintaining eligibility for athletic competition at a conference institution.
“The conference continues to evaluate potential rules restricting professional athletes in other sports from conference competition.”
Based on The Daily Hoosier’s understanding of the pertinent facts, IU center Sam Alexis is not expected to be impacted negatively by the new rule.
Alexis, who is seeking a fifth season of eligibility in the courts after the NCAA did not include class of 2022 athletes in its 5-for-5 rule, played NBA Summer League basketball for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Many players who participate in the NBA Summer League do not sign formal contracts, but instead receive a per diem to have their out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed. Alexis is likely in this category.
Alexis has never been on an official professional roster, and he never declared for the NBA Draft, but was instead automatically enrolled after ostensibly exhausting his eligibility.
Based on the status of the court ruling and this Big Ten guidance, Alexis should remain eligible to play in 2026-27 for the Hoosiers.
Alexis spent one season with Indiana and etched his name in the program record book. His 68.7 field goal percentage is the best single season ever by an IU player on 100 or more attempts.
After transferring in from Florida, Alexis played in all 32 games and started the final 23 for the Hoosiers. He averaged 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 21.3 minutes per game.
Alexis also made a personal best 72.5% (50-of-69) from the free throw line, had a team-best 50 dunks, posted 13 games with 10-plus points, and eight games with at least eight rebounds.
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