Every NBA Draft has its quirks—late-round steals, head-scratching picks, and the occasional “wait, who?” moment. But this year, the LA Clippers may have delivered the strangest twist of all: Narcisse Ngoy, the 57th overall pick, who didn’t actually apply for the draft and still plans to play college basketball at Auburn next season.
Yes, you read that right! Ngoy didn’t declare. He didn’t hire an agent. He didn’t even toss his name into the draft pool. He was simply turning 22 this summer, which made him automatically eligible. And so, without lifting a finger, he became an NBA draftee.
Drafted, But Off to College
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Ngoy committed to Auburn back in March, and he’s sticking to that plan. “I am thankful for the LA Clippers’ confidence in me,” he posted on social media. “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.”
The Clippers, for their part, aren’t trying to lure him away. Instead, they’ll treat him as a draft-and-stash player, owning his rights while he suits up in the NCAA. That’s a practice usually reserved for international prospects who stay overseas, not for someone who’s about to grind through SEC basketball with textbooks in tow.
So, yes, the Clippers essentially drafted a player who they’ll watch play college ball instead.
A First in the Modern Era
Assuming Ngoy plays at Auburn, he’ll be the first player in the modern era to go straight to college after being drafted. Sure, James Nnaji was drafted in 2023 and later played at Baylor—but he stayed overseas before enrolling. Ngoy’s case is different. He’s already drafted, already owned by an NBA team, and yet he’ll be running out of the tunnel at Auburn Arena next season.
For Ngoy, it’s a bizarre but oddly perfect situation. He gets the prestige of being an NBA pick without the immediate pressure of performing at the highest level. He can develop at Auburn, sharpen his game, and build his résumé while everyone keeps one eye on him, knowing the Clippers already have dibs.
For the league, it’s a reminder that even the most rigid systems can produce loopholes. And for fans, it’s pure entertainment—a story that feels equal parts glitch and legend.
Ngoy didn’t apply for the draft, but he got drafted anyway. And now he’s off to Auburn. Call it strange, call it lucky, call it whatever you want. Just don’t call it boring. This is the kind of basketball oddity that makes the sport endlessly fascinating.
