Narcisse Ngoy was taken in the NBA Draft... but he'll play at Auburn
The French big man "intends to honor his commitment to Auburn" after being stashed by the Clippers in the second round Wednesday night.
AUBURN — Auburn wasn’t supposed to be really involved in this year’s NBA Draft, but that changed with a surprise selection in the final picks.
Still, the Tigers should feel confident that next season’s roster will remain unaffected.
With the No. 57 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Clippers drafted Auburn center Narcisse Ngoy, using a pick acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
Ngoy signed with Auburn in March as a European professional making his way into American college basketball, much like Filip Jović did last season. The 7-footer was recently named the MVP of the French second division after averaging 10.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game with Poitiers Basket 86.
As soon as the pick was made, several NBA Draft analysts — including Fran Fraschilla, who was part of the ESPN broadcast — said Ngoy would likely play for Auburn next season and that the Clippers would retain his draft rights for now.
Ngoy’s agent, Herman Manakyan of Fusion Sports, told The Observer late Wednesday night that “Narcisse intends to honor his commitment to Auburn.”
Then, a few hours later, Ngoy said this on his Instagram story: “I am thankful for the LA Clippers' confidence in me. I fully intend to honor my commitment to Auburn University. And I am looking forward to wearing the Auburn Tigers jersey.”
According to multiple sources, Ngoy should arrive on Auburn’s campus within the next week or two. Lithuanian wing Mantas Rubštavičius, who was officially announced as signed earlier this week, is expected to make his move this weekend.
The fact that Ngoy was able to be drafted in the first place is due to a specific set of circumstances in what is a changing landscape of college basketball eligibility.