The University of Arizona’s women’s basketball program faces a setback as sophomore Maya Nnaji has officially parted ways with the team, reducing the roster to 10 players.
Nnaji was notably absent during the Wildcats’ recent 88-75 loss to No. 5 Texas at the McKale Center last week.
According to UA coach Adia Barnes, Nnaji is “focusing on academics,” leaving the door open for a potential return in the future.
In a statement posted on Twitter on Friday morning, Nnaji expressed gratitude to the Wildcat Nation for their unwavering support during her time with the team.
The announcement revealed Nnaji’s decision to step away from basketball to pursue her lifelong goal of becoming a physician.
The sophomore, enrolled in the Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education program (APME) at Arizona, aims to contribute to improving healthcare in her father’s homeland, Nigeria.
The demands of the APME program, coupled with the rigorous schedule of a Power 5 women’s college basketball program, proved challenging for Nnaji.
Barnes acknowledged the difficulty of balancing academic commitments with athletic responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of supporting student-athletes in achieving their academic aspirations.
Barnes stated:
“It’s student-athletes, not athletes-students. That’s a perfect example.”
She affirmed her support for Nnaji’s decision, recognizing that the sophomore needed a break to focus on her academic and career goals.
Maya Nnaji, who arrived in Tucson as the highest-ranked recruit in UA history, played in nine games this season, averaging 10.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
Her departure, combined with the absence of injured freshman Montaya Dew, leaves the Wildcats with 10 players available for the remainder of the season.
Nnaji’s brother, Zeke, previously played for the UA men’s program and achieved Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors in 2019-20.
Following a standout season, he was selected 22nd overall in the NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets.
As Maya Nnaji embarks on a new chapter in her academic journey, the Wildcats will continue their season with a reshaped roster, facing challenges and opportunities for growth.
