Narcisse Ngoy informs Clippers he will play for Auburn after being selected 57th overall
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Narcisse Ngoy, who committed to play for Auburn this past offseason, was drafted 57th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night during the second round of the NBA Draft. For most players, that would mean it’s time to book a flight to Los Angeles and get to work.
Ngoy has thrown a bit of a curveball, though. The French prospect announced Thursday that he will instead play for Auburn in the 2026-27 season, honoring his commitment to Steven Pearl and the Tigers.
“I am thankful for the LA Clippers’ confidence in me,” Ngoy wrote, via Instagram. “I fully intend to honor my commitment to Auburn University, and I am looking forward to wearing the Auburn Tigers jersey for the 2026-2027 season.”
This does not mean that Ngoy won’t play for Los Angeles at some point in the future. Because Ngoy is an international player and turns 22 soon, he is automatically draft eligible without needing to have competed in college basketball. The Clippers will still own Ngoy’s draft rights when he decides to be done with college. It’s very possible, then, for Ngoy to play at Auburn this season, then suit up for the Clippers in 2027-28.
Seeing as Ngoy never declared for the draft, it appears (though it has not been officially reported) that the Clippers intended to make an investment in the 7-footer with their low-risk draft pick.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
