The Clippers Have Innovated the NCAA Draft-and-Stash

The Clippers are extending the definition of ‘draft and stash.’

With the No. 57 overall pick in Wednesday’s NBA draft, the team selected Narcisse Ngoy, a 7-foot center from France with a selection that originally belonged to the Hawks. 

But Ngoy will not be playing for the Clippers’ summer league team, let alone at Inuit Dome this coming season. Instead, he’ll be suiting up for Auburn. 

“I am thankful for the LA Clippers’ confidence in me,” Ngoy wrote on his Instagram story Thursday morning from France. “I fully intend to honor my commitment to Auburn University. And I am looking forward to wearing the Auburn Tigers jersey.”

Ngoy has played professionally in France since he was 17. This past season he was MVP of the French Elite 2 league after averaging 10.7 points and 11.7 rebounds per game for Poitiers Basket 86.

Ngoy committed to the Tigers in March and is expected to report to campus as early as next week, according to 247Sports. He never formally declared for the draft or went through the process. Instead, under the league’s collective bargaining agreement, he was automatically eligible because he will turn 22 before next season.

NBA teams ‘draft and stash’ prospects annually. With a limited number of roster spots, a team can draft a player who doesn’t suit up for them the following season and still retain the player’s rights while he plays elsewhere—usually internationally.

The Knicks hold the draft rights for James Nnaji, who joined Baylor in the middle of last season despite being selected in the 2023 draft and was later part of New York’s trade for Karl-Anthony Towns. But Ngoy’s case is the first time an NBA team has drafted a player who still plans to enter the NCAA system next year.

Ngoy has two years of college eligibility according to On3, but could pursue a third. Whenever he elects to turn professional, the Clippers will still own his draft rights unless they renounce them. 

“Narcisse has a strong feel for the game on both ends of the floor,” Auburn head coach Steven Pearl said in a March release announcing Ngoy’s signing. “His instincts, ability to catch and finish around the basket, rim protection, and willingness to embrace contact will make him an immediate impact while filling a huge need for our team.”