Draft pick plans to play at Auburn next season

Narcisse Ngoy, selected 57th overall, said Thursday he will play at Auburn next season after committing to the school in March. "I am thankful for the LA Clippers' confidence in me," Ngoy posted on social media. " The team that drafted him does not intend to sign Ngoy right away, sources told ESPN, and he is expected to suit up for Auburn.

Eligibility and draft-and-stash plans Ngoy turns 22 this summer, making him automatically eligible for the draft while preserving his college eligibility. The team plans to treat him as a draft-and-stash player and retain his rights after he completes his time at Auburn.

This approach has become more common as rising college salaries draw more international players to U.S. campuses. If Ngoy plays at Auburn, he would be the first player in the modern era to choose college immediately after being drafted.