In another step into the new era of college sports, the first player to go from the G League to college basketball will suit up for the Santa Clara Broncos this fall.
The school on Tuesday announced the commitment of Thierry Darlan, a 6-foot-8 guard originally from the Central African Republic. Darlan, 21, will have two years of eligibility after spending the past two seasons playing in the NBA’s professional developmental league.
A product of the NBA Africa Academy, Darlan initially opted for the G League over offers from Arizona, Kansas and Santa Clara. He played in 29 games for the Ignite in 2023-24, averaging just under five points, and appeared in another 29 games this past season for the Delaware Blue Bats, where he played alongside former Bronco Jared Brownridge, averaging 11 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Darlan earned a paycheck in the G League and is believed to be the first such player to be ruled eligible by the NCAA. According to reports, the backdrop of college athletes being compensated by Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals, as well as the influx of foreign players who previously played professionally overseas, influenced the decision.
He joins seven other newcomers on the Broncos’ roster and, given his pedigree and the amount of turnover, is likely to play a significant role. While center Cristoph Tilly (12.5 ppg) returns for his senior year, Santa Clara must replace three of its five leading scorers from the team that finished fourth in the WCC and earned an NIT bid in 2024-25.