Thierry Darlan, a former G League player, made headlines recently by becoming eligible to play college basketball. The Central African Republic native had previously played for the G League Ignite and officially joined Santa Clara University for the 2023-24 NCAA season. Darlan is pursuing his NBA aspirations at Santa Clara, where he made a notable debut on November 4, 2023, recording a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
G League Alumni’s New Path: Transforming College Basketball Eligibility
The NCAA’s decision to allow former G League players like Darlan to compete in college sports has generated mixed reactions from college coaches. Darlan’s eligibility represents a significant shift in NCAA regulations, focusing on offering opportunities to players who fit specific eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for G League Players
- Five years or less removed from high school graduation.
- MUST have been an NCAA qualifier out of high school.
- Did not enter the NBA Draft.
This change has been particularly controversial among coaches. Michigan State’s Tom Izzo called the decision “embarrassing,” while Purdue’s Matt Painter described his confusion over the decision as “at a loss for words.”
Benefits of College over G League
Financially, college athletes now have access to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, often earning more than they could in the G League. For example, G League players typically earn less than $50,000 annually, while the new NIL deals can exceed six figures.
London Johnson and Abdullah Ahmed, two more G League alumni, have announced their commitments to Louisville and BYU, respectively, further illustrating this trend. Johnson plans to join Louisville for the 2026-27 season, while Ahmed will start for BYU next year.
The NCAA’s Response to Changing Times
The NCAA has stated that each eligibility case is evaluated individually. This shift comes amidst ongoing lawsuits challenging the NCAA’s eligibility guidelines related to athletes’ earning potential.
Many coaches, like Auburn’s Steven Pearl, acknowledge the need to adapt to this evolving landscape. They recognize that leveraging loopholes can enhance their teams. Pearl emphasized the necessity of recruitment strategies aligning with the new recruiting realities.
Conclusion: A New Era for College Basketball
As the NCAA embraces these changes, the landscape of college basketball is likely to continue transforming. The precedent set by Darlan’s eligibility may open the door for additional G League players to join the ranks of college athletes, creating more competition and opportunities in the sport.
