Santa Clara's Thierry Darlan Transitions from G League to College Basketball

Thierry Darlan of Santa Clara University is making headlines as the first former NBA G League player to transition back to college basketball, a unique situation that defies traditional career paths in the sport.

At 21 years old, he began classes in September after the NCAA granted him two years of collegiate eligibility following his time in the G League with teams like the G League Ignite and the Delaware Blue Coats.

Darlan's journey has taken him from the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal to the Basketball Africa League, and now to the West Coast Conference, where he plays under veteran coach Herb Sendek. Coach Sendek praised Darlan's courage, highlighting the adversities he faced, including a dislocated ankle and the disbandment of his team while in the G League.

Despite the pressures of being in a foreign environment, Darlan remains optimistic about his education and basketball career. He mentioned that returning to class is a refreshing experience after being away for a long time.

Currently, Darlan is averaging 5.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 20.5 minutes per game for the Broncos, who hold a 7-1 record. Darlan's situation has sparked discussions about NCAA eligibility rules, particularly in light of the recent trend of players moving from professional leagues back to college.

Some critics question the fairness of this transition as it disrupts the traditional flow of player development, but Sendek argues that Darlan's case is akin to that of European players who have played professionally before attending U.S. colleges.

As Darlan continues his journey, his teammates like Chris Tadjo and Jake Ensminger provide support and camaraderie, helping him adapt to college life and basketball. With aspirations of an NBA career, Darlan's groundbreaking path could pave the way for other G League players seeking similar opportunities in college basketball.