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BYU basketball continues to make history after signing the No. 1 player in the country last year in A.J. Dybantsa. Now the Cougars have now moved up to signing G-league players — which has opposing fans and coaches crying foul.

To those that don’t know, the NBA G League is the NBA’s official minor league, serving as a developmental league for players and coaches. If you are a baseball fan, it’s essentially Triple-A where the pro teams cand send guys down and call guys up.

G-league players are arguably more talented than most college basketball players. That’s why the signing of G-League center Abdullah Ahmed, a 6-foot-10 rim protector who spent the last two seasons with the Westchester Knicks, has caused quite the stir after he chose to play at BYU over fellow Big 12 powerhouse Houston, marking a significant win for head coach Kevin Young and his staff.

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So how is it possible for G-League players to play college ball?

Welcome to professional sports… I mean… college sports, where things change quicker then the transfer portal on a Monday morning.

A recent NCAA ruling now allows G-League players to compete at the collegiate level. The rule mirrors how players from professional overseas leagues — such as BYU’s own Mihailo Bošković — have been deemed eligible in the past. G-League contracts are very small (between $40k-$50k), which the NCAA deems is equivalent to the value of a college scholarship.

As long as players remain within their five-year eligibility window, they can now return to the college game — a change that has already benefited programs like Santa Clara and Louisville, and now, BYU. The Cougars aren’t the only one doing it and as long as it’s allowed, Kevin Young and the BYU coaching staff will continue to bring in the best players available, no matter where they are from or what league they are playing in.

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Ahmed, who turns 22 in November, brings elite defensive skills to Provo. In 18 games with the Westchester Knicks last season, he averaged 3.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game in limited minutes. Known primarily as a shot blocker and rim runner, Ahmed, with his 7-foot-2 inch wingspan is going to be a big difference maker.

With Keba Keita in his final year, Ahmed could be a natural fit to step into the Cougars’ starting center role next season. Freshman Xavion Staton, who played with Dybantsa in high school and was a 4-star recruit will challenge or play alongside Ahmed to give the Cougars a twin towers look (Duncan and Robinson).

Ahmed’s commitment now gives BYU its fourth pledge in the 2026 class, joining Dean Rueckert, KJ Perry, and Will Openshaw.

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Ahmed’s addition comes at a crucial time for BYU. The Cougars will need to replace significant production and leadership following the expected departures of seniors Mihailo Bošković, Richie Saunders, Keba Keita, and Dawson Baker. In addition, star freshman AJ Dybantsa is widely projected to be a Top-2 pick in next year’s NBA Draft, and there’s also a possibility that sophomore guard Rob Wright could go pro as well depending on the type of year that he has.

With so many key contributors on their way out, Ahmed’s arrival provides both depth and experience in the frontcourt. His professional background and defensive presence could help steady a young roster as BYU continues to establish itself as one of the top dogs in the Big 12.

For BYU, winning a recruiting battle against a powerhouse like Houston — and doing so under a newly expanded NCAA eligibility framework — signals how competitive and creative the Cougars are becoming under Young’s leadership.

Here’s some of the top posts on social media after news of Ahmed committing to BYU.

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