The Game Has Changed
NCAA – In a decision that stunned the basketball world, the NCAA recently ruled that former NBA G League Ignite guard Thierry Darlan is eligible to play college basketball at Santa Clara University — making him one of the first G League alumni ever cleared to compete in Division I.
The ruling, issued in September 2025, effectively opened a new door for athletes who once saw the G League as a one-way ticket out of college sports. Now, the road between the pros and college basketball may finally run both ways.
How We Got Here
For decades, the NCAA’s strict amateurism rules banned any player who signed a professional contract or received a salary for competing in college athletics. That changed after the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era began in 2021.
As college players started earning money legally, the lines between “amateur” and “professional” began to blur. International athletes who had brief pro stints overseas were granted eligibility on a case-by-case basis. The G League, designed as a professional development path for elite prospects, fell into that gray area.
Fast-forward to 2025 — the NCAA, citing “individual eligibility review,” determined that Darlan’s time in the G League did not violate modern amateurism standards. That ruling set a new precedent.
Coaches Are Divided
Not everyone is cheering. Michigan State’s Tom Izzo publicly criticized the NCAA’s decision, calling it “ridiculous” and warning that college basketball is becoming “free agency with dorm rooms.”
Others, however, see opportunity. Programs struggling to land top freshmen could now recruit former G Leaguers looking to rebuild their stock and education.
“College programs could benefit from ready-made talent,” said one assistant coach anonymously. “If handled right, this could raise the level of play overnight.”
What It Means for Future Players
The message is clear: a stint in the G League no longer automatically kills your NCAA eligibility. But it’s not open season — each player will still need NCAA clearance. Factors include:
- Whether they signed a professional contract or received a salary.
- How long have they played in the G League?
- Whether they maintained amateur eligibility conditions under the NCAA bylaws.
If this interpretation holds, more players may soon opt for the G League route, then pursue a college degree, to develop their skills, gain exposure, and still achieve their academic goals.
Sports Savvy Takeaway
This ruling marks a significant shift in how basketball talent is transferred between systems. What used to be a one-way exit from college sports could soon become a revolving door of opportunity — one that benefits both players and programs.
Expect more news in the coming months as other former G League athletes test the NCAA’s new boundaries.