Ex-G Leaguer Makes History, Cleared to Play College Basketball
Thierry Darlan, a 21-year-old power forward who’s spent the past two seasons playing professionally in the NBA G League, has been granted eligibility to play at Santa Clara this season, per a report from ESPN.
This is the first ever player to obtain NCAA eligibility after playing in the G League professionally. Darlan, originally from the Central African Republic, will be considered a junior with two years of eligibility to utilize.
Darlan was part of the NBA Academy Africa program before joining the G League Ignite for the 2023-24 season. The following year, the Ignite ceased operations, and Darlan landed with the Delaware Blue Coats and Rip City Remix as an unaffiliated player.
In 29 G League games last season, the forward averaged 10.9 points and 6.0 rebounds on 45% shooting. He declared for the 2025 NBA Draft but withdrew, retaining his 2026 draft eligibility. He will likely have a big role for Santa Clara this season.
With the NCAA’s long-standing restrictions on amateurism now loosening, especially with NIL in the picture, college basketball has become more accessible to young overseas professionals. We’re seeing that entering the season with Purdue’s Omer Mayer, Washington’s Hannes Steinbach, and more. The trend has now reached the G League with Darlan.
“The NCAA’s decision to grant Darlan two years of eligibility was based on his age and years removed from high school at the NBA Academy,” per Darlan’s agent Todd Ramasar.
Santa Clara will play two quality non conference opponents right away in McNeese State (Nov. 7) and Xavier (Nov. 10). Darlan will quickly be able to showcase what he’s capable of at the collegiate level.
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