Thierry Serge Darlan: Next Steps
With the news of Thierry Serge Darlan withdrawing from the 2024 NBA Draft let’s look into his path, projection, and potential landing spots.
Timeline
In 2023 during All-Star Weekend Darlan suffered a serious ankle injury, dislocating it while participating at BWB Global. He opted to join the G League Ignite, turning down offers from Santa Clara, Kansas, and Arizona. He missed the entire preseason and the first 5 games of the Ignite season causing him to struggle a bit out of the gate. The G League Ignite also had a frustrating season, finishing with a (2-32) record. Their struggles coupled with the new world of NIL craziness led the NBA to eliminate it.
“Armand Lenoir, NBAE via Getty Images, 20 April 2024”
BAL MOMENTUM
During the BAL’s Nile Conference in Cairo, Egypt, Darlan’s play for Bangui Sporting Club improved his draft stock, reminding scouts why he was coveted coming out of NBA Academy Africa. He averaged 18 PPG shooting 41% from the field, 9 RPG, and 1 BPG. A person who lives life with a joyful spirit, Darlan is at his best when he plays loose and free.
“Armand Lenoir, NBAE via Getty Images, 20 April 2024”
At the G League Elite Camp in Chicago, Darlan measured at 6’6 ¼” with a 7’2” wingspan. His defensive presence was evident in Cairo regularly contesting and blocking shots with verticality. With intentional work, Darlan can regain the athletic pop he previously showed at NBA Academy Africa.
As the Ignite season ended Darlan’s draft stock took a hit, he struggled with minutes and didn’t show much. Shooting better will solidify Darlan’s 1st round projection, averaging 27% on about 7 attempts per game in the BAL. Diversifying his shot diet will help, with a specific focus on transition and movement shooting à la Michael Porter Jr. If Darlan can get downhill with force, make proper reads out of the pick-and-roll, and limit turnovers this next year can be fruitful.
Improvement
Another year in the right situation will allow Darlan to add strength and regain the athleticism he possessed back at NBA Academy Africa. I’d like to see better perimeter defense, his length allows him to block shots but he can show true value by containing and disrupting initiators. An increased effort to crash the offensive glass would be an added plus. Prospects specifically choose the G League Ignite path to experience NBA-level competition. Darlan’s benefit is that he now has a clear perspective of what it takes to succeed.
Projection
Movement shooter, Secondary ball handler/Playmaker
A long wing with shotmaking and playmaking ability Darlan does well in transition and uses length to be a pest defensively. Playing off the threat of his shot, Darlan can attack closeouts and make proper playmaking reads. Most importantly, Darlan needs to be in a situation where he can show his skill set against formidable competition
“Armand Lenoir, NBAE via Getty Images, 22 April 2024”
Potential Opportunities
The range for Darlan is quite wide and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. Freedom against respectable competition will be huge however, that isn’t easy to manufacture. It will be quite interesting to see where Darlan ends up next season.
LNB (French Pro B)
PBL (Belgium)
“Geofroid Aballo, NBAE via Getty Images, 24 April 2024”