French center Narcisse Ngoy could become the first player to suit up for a college program the season after being selected in the NBA draft.
The Los Angeles Clippers chose the 7-footer with the 57th overall pick late in the second and final round of the draft Wednesday. On Thursday, Ngoy announced he plans to remain committed to Auburn instead.
“I am thankful for the LA Clippers’ confidence in me,” Ngoy said in a statement posted to his Instagram story. “I fully intend to honor my commitment to Auburn University, and I am looking forward to wearing the Auburn Tigers jersey for the 2026-27 season.”
ESPN reported that the Clippers, who made a trade with the Atlanta Hawks for the pick, don’t plan to persuade Ngoy to skip college and join their roster. They instead will employ a “draft-and-stash” strategy, which teams have done with prospects playing internationally in the past.
Ngoy turns 22 this summer, which makes him automatically eligible for the NBA draft despite never officially entering the pool. Within the current rules, Ngoy therefore did not forfeit his NCAA eligibility.
James Nnaji caused a stir when he signed with Baylor and joined them midway through the 2025-26 college season after Nnaji was the 31st overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. Nnaji never played in the NBA or signed a contract, and the NCAA did not stand in the way of him using his eligibility. But there was a multiyear gap between Nnaji being drafted and signing with Baylor.
Ngoy has played for multiple teams in the French league as well as representing France in international competition. He signed with Auburn on March 31.
–Field Level Media
