In a move that’s redefining what it means to be a college athlete, the NCAA has officially allowed former professional basketball players to compete at the college level, a decision that’s already shaking up the landscape of college sports.

The first example is Thierry Darlan, a 21-year-old guard from the Central African Republic who spent two years in the NBA’s G League, first with Ignite and later with the Delaware Blue Coats and Rip City Remix. Now, he’s set to make his debut at Santa Clara University, becoming the first G League alum to play college basketball.

How Did This Happen?

Until now, the NCAA’s rules were clear, if you accepted payment for playing your sport, your amateur status was gone for good. But in the NIL and revenue-sharing era, the line between professional and college athlete has blurred.

Darlan’s case marks the NCAA’s first major test of those new boundaries.
According to his agent, Todd Ramasar, Darlan never entered the NBA Draft or signed an NBA contract, which allowed him to retain eligibility. His G League salary, roughly $40,000, was viewed as comparable to NIL payments many college players now receive.

The NCAA ultimately ruled that Darlan was a full academic qualifier with two seasons of eligibility remaining, clearing him to play for Santa Clara.

Opening the Door for Others

Darlan isn’t alone. Soon after his approval, London Johnson, another former G League player, announced his commitment to Louisville, while other pros like Abdullah Ahmed have drawn interest from schools such as BYU, Auburn, Houston, and UCLA.

These cases show a growing trend, athletes who once turned pro for early experience or financial reasons may now find a path back to college basketball if they meet eligibility criteria.

A Divided Reaction

Not everyone is celebrating the decision.
Legendary Michigan State coach Tom Izzo criticized the move, saying,

“This was sprung on us again where a guy can be in the G League for two or three years and then all of a sudden he’s eligible… To me, it’s ridiculous. It’s embarrassing.”

Others, like Darlan’s agent, argue that it’s simply leveling the playing field between international and American athletes, both of whom now move between professional and amateur systems with increasing freedom.

“It’s no different than European prospects who played for club teams like Real Madrid,” Ramasar told Yahoo Sports. “The NCAA is now the better platform, athletes get paid, get an education, and boost their draft stock.”

What It Means for the Future

This change could signal the start of a new recruiting era, where professional and college pathways overlap more than ever before.

With NIL deals often exceeding G League contracts, more young players may see college basketball as the better route to the NBA, both financially and developmentally.

As Ramasar puts it, “If I’m a high school senior, I’m not going into the G League, I’m going into the NCAA.”