Thierry Darlan: From NBA Dreams to College History, One Prayer at a Time
The Santa Clara University practice gym feels like home for Thierry Darlan, a place where he can reflect on a journey unlike any other in college basketball. Darlan is blazing a trail as the first former NBA G League player to transition to NCAA Division I competition, a reverse path that has captivated the sport and presented unique challenges. He began classes in September at age 21, granted two years of eligibility by the NCAA after navigating a complex set of rules.
“My case is very different, people don’t really know the rules,” Darlan explained. “For me playing in the G League is kind of like the NBA. Coming back to college is really unique. It has been really beneficial for me because I’ve learned so many new things, so many new rules about college basketball.”
A Global Journey to the West Coast Conference
Darlan’s path to Santa Clara is a testament to his dedication and resilience. His basketball odyssey began at the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, followed by stints in the Basketball Africa League, the G League Ignite, and the Delaware Blue Coats. Now, he competes in the West Coast Conference under veteran coach Herb Sendek. This unconventional route was largely unimaginable before the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which have reshaped the landscape of college athletics.
Sendek lauded Darlan’s courage, noting, “His courage is remarkable, starting when he was a very young man leaving his home country and going to the NBA Academy. Then as still a very young man coming to a different continent and landing not in a nurturing college environment but in the G League, going through incredible adversity there, including dislocating his ankle, having his team disbanded, he now comes onto a college campus. All this before he’s 20 years old and the pressures that accompany that journey each step along the way. And he’s remained so pure through it all. He hasn’t been jaded. He’s still full of joy and full of hope.”
Darlan is determined to rebuild his game following a devastating ankle injury suffered in February 2023. Despite the attention surrounding his unique situation, he appears unfazed. He acknowledges the daily anxieties of being far from home, often grappling with the desire to simply speak his native languages.
“Sometimes when you wake up in the morning you don’t even want to speak English, you don’t even want to think English and all those things,” Darlan said, adding that he also speaks Sango from the Central African Republic and French. He combats these feelings by starting his day with prayers in English, viewing it as valuable practice. He finds solace in the campus environment, relishing the experience of being a student again. “I really love it, it’s a really amazing experience for me,” he said. “I haven’t been in class for a while, since I was in Central African Republic, and for me going back to class is really cool.”
Paving the Way for Future Transitions
The 6-foot-8 guard envisions a long NBA career, and his path is already attracting attention from other college programs. Louisville recently announced the addition of former G League point guard London Johnson, who will join the team in the winter of 2024 and redshirt before playing in the 2026-27 season. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who witnessed Darlan’s MVP performance at the Basketball Without Borders camp in Cairo three years ago, described him as “a hell of a talent, really talented guy.”
Darlan strategically withdrew from the NBA draft last year to prioritize his education and create a solid backup plan. During the summer of 2024, he averaged 17.7 points and 8.7 rebounds while playing for Bangui Sporting Club, his hometown team in the Basketball Africa League, finishing eighth in the league in both categories.
Currently, Darlan is contributing off the bench for the Broncos (7-1), averaging 5.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 20.5 minutes per game. His journey has involved navigating a complex visa process, transitioning from a work visa to a visitor’s visa and finally securing a student visa.
“When you’re the first to do something it’s extremely nerve-racking, even if there weren’t any hiccups,” said Darlan’s agent, Todd Ramasar. “Every step you’re kind of holding your breath.”
The NCAA’s decision to grant Darlan eligibility has sparked debate, but Sendek draws parallels to European players who arrive at U.S. universities with prior professional experience. “When the outrage comes from a few players who are still young and of college age, going from the G League to college, I understand, I get it, who thought we’d be here?” Sendek said. “I don’t think people are being critical of him but it’s kind of like that last straw of, ‘What are we doing, how did we get here, and what are we going to do about it?’ So I understand that.”
Staying Grounded and Focused
Despite the challenges, Darlan remains focused on his daily routine, balancing classes in art history and religion with rigorous training. He embodies a quiet determination, even in the face of adversity. His teammates provide a crucial support system. Chris Tadjo, a close friend from Ivory Coast who also attended the academy, expressed his gratitude for Darlan’s presence. “Having him here is awesome,” Tadjo said. “I kind of have family here. If I need anything, we’re always together. No matter what, he always comes to me. Even in practice, we’re laughing. It’s really a great thing to have him around. Obviously, I support him in every single thing he does. I just want the best for him. I’m super grateful for him to be here.”
A simple exchange with teammate Jake Ensminger encapsulates Darlan’s positive outlook. As Darlan walked up the stairs to study hall, he inquired about Ensminger’s well-being. Ensminger’s response – “Don’t forget to smile, Bro” – was met with Darlan’s characteristic reply: “I don’t forget. I smile all day, and they all know that.”
