Ex-G League Stars Are Now NCAA-Eligible—Find Out Why Coaches Are OUTRAGED!

Thierry Darlan, a rising basketball star from the Central African Republic, is making waves in college basketball after transitioning from the G League Ignite. During a game against the Stockton Kings in the 2023-24 season, the 6-foot-8, 210-pound guard electrified the crowd with a rim-rattling dunk that showcased his athleticism and skill. After two seasons in the NBA’s developmental league, Darlan is now pursuing his NBA dreams at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit institution in Silicon Valley.

“To be honest, I never saw myself being back in school,” he told The Athletic. “But the NBA is still the goal; that’s what I’m here for, trying to get more experience, trying to get better.” Darlan's journey began at NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, and he hoped his tenure in the G League would propel him to the NBA. Now, at just 21, he finds himself back in the classroom.

In a surprising ruling by the NCAA in September, Darlan was deemed eligible to compete in college basketball despite his professional background. His debut with the Santa Clara Broncos on November 4 was historic—he scored 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against Cal Poly Humboldt, becoming the first G League alumnus to play in a college game. This ruling has opened the door for other G League players to pursue college eligibility, a move that has stirred significant debate among coaches and officials in the sport.

Prominent figures like Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Purdue’s Matt Painter voiced their concerns, criticizing the NCAA for what they see as arbitrary changes to eligibility rules. Izzo labeled the situation “embarrassing” and “ridiculous,” while Painter expressed disbelief, initially thinking it was a joke. NCAA guidelines stipulate that athletes must maintain “amateur status” to participate in college sports, yet international athletes with professional experience have often been granted eligibility. The recent changes appear to align with this precedent, allowing players like Darlan, who have not entered the NBA Draft, to return to the college game.

The financial implications of this shift are significant. G League players typically earn less than $50,000 annually, whereas college athletes can now benefit from name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, often earning six-figure sums. This financial incentive is drawing players back to college programs, making them more appealing than the G League or international leagues. For instance, London Johnson, a four-star recruit with G League experience, committed to Louisville after averaging just under eight points per game over three seasons.

As Darlan navigates his new reality, he is adjusting to the rigorous demands of college basketball. “In college, every practice is like a game—you’re going to sweat, even if it’s a walk-through,” he remarked, highlighting the intensity of training compared to his G League experience. His agent, Todd Ramasar, believes Darlan should have always been in college, arguing that G League experience is often reserved for players already on the radar of NBA teams. He noted that college athletes are now positioned on a higher platform in the eyes of NBA scouts, making the college route potentially more beneficial for players seeking to turn professional.

The NCAA’s decision to allow former G League players into college sports has been met with mixed feelings. Coaches like Baylor’s Scott Drew acknowledge the need to adapt, stating, “At the end of the day, we’re not the ones making decisions. We either adapt to the rules or we get left behind.” Others, like St. John’s Rick Pitino, took a more comedic approach, joking about the prospect of recruiting NBA players next.

Darlan’s situation reflects a broader trend in college athletics, where traditional pathways are changing. The NCAA's recent efforts to expand eligibility for international athletes and players with professional experience suggest that the landscape of college sports is evolving. With the financial allure of NIL deals and shifting eligibility rules, many experts believe we may see an influx of talent returning to college basketball in the coming years.

As Darlan continues to adapt to his new environment, he remains focused on his ultimate goal. “If I’m helping the team win, if I can do little things, that’s what matters to me,” he stated confidently. Whether he becomes a star in college or eventually secures an NBA contract remains to be seen, but his journey underscores a significant shift in how athletes navigate their paths to professional sports.