NBA draft pick plans to play at Auburn next season

Narcisse Ngoy, the 57th pick in this week's NBA draft, said Thursday that he still plans to play college basketball at Auburn next season. Ngoy, who committed to the Tigers in March, was selected toward the end of Wednesday's second round. "I am thankful for the LA Clippers' confidence in me," Ngoy posted on social media.

" The team does not intend to lure Ngoy from Auburn, sources told ESPN, and the expectation remains that he will suit up for the Tigers next season.

Eligibility and draft-and-stash arrangement Since Ngoy is turning 22 this summer, he was automatically eligible for the NBA draft and can maintain his college eligibility despite being selected. The team plans to treat Ngoy as a draft-and-stash player, sources told ESPN, and will own his rights after he is done at Auburn.

The draft-and-stash practice is usually reserved for international players selected in the NBA draft and then kept overseas. Rising salaries for college basketball players have increased the number of international players coming to the United States to play in college.

Assuming Ngoy plays at Auburn, he will be considered the first player in the modern era to opt to play in college immediately after being drafted.