Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo didn’t bite his tongue on Tuesday when he was asked about schools signing former NBA G League players. Over the past few days, Louisville signed 21-year-old guard London Johnson and Santa Clara added Thierry Darlan, sending shockwaves through the college basketball landscape.
“To me, it’s ridiculous. It’s embarrassing, and I love my job. I don’t respect my profession, and I don’t respect whoever is doing that,” Izzo told Chris Solari from the Detroit Free Press.
Izzo wasn’t the only coach to take exception with the recent signings. UConn coach Dan Hurley offered support via X, posting bullseye and goat emojis in response to the interview.
— Dan Hurley (@dhurley15) October 22, 2025
“I am going to get myself in trouble, but I listen to people talk about how kids changed. Kids aren’t the problem, we’re the problem,” Izzo explained. “This was sprung on us again yesterday where a guy can be in the G League for two or three years and then all of a sudden, he’s eligible.”
Are NBA G League Players Allowed To Play College Basketball?
Johnson, a 21-year-old point guard, has played three seasons in the NBA G League. A former four-star recruit, he opted to go pro with the NBA G League Ignite before playing for the Maine Celtics and Cleveland Charge last season.
Under NCAA Division I rules, any athlete who has received payment as a professional beyond “actual and necessary expenses” is ineligible to play college basketball.
Darlan, a native of the Central African Republic, came up through the NBA Academy Africa program. His eligibility aligns with other recent cases involving international players with professional experience. While he became the first G League player ever cleared to play college basketball, Johnson’s commitment could shake the foundation of the NCAA and redefine what it means to be a college athlete.
Johnson graduated in the 2022 recruiting class and is expected to sit out the remainder of the 2025-26 season. He will join Louisville for the 2026-27 season and have two years of eligibility remaining, meaning he’ll be able to play college basketball until just before his 25th birthday.
“What’s the age limit now? Is it 30? If you have three beards and two mustaches, are you illegal? Are you not allowed to play? It hit a sore spot for me because the transfer portal is enough,” Izzo said.
