A New Pipeline from G League to College
The basketball world has lately been watching a subtle but significant shift: former G League Ignite players are increasingly opting to enroll in college programs rather than jump straight into professional leagues. This trend reflects a growing belief that the NCAA stage can serve as both a developmental platform and a showcase for NBA scouts.
At the forefront of this movement is Izan Almansa, the 6‑foot‑10 Spanish forward who last summer earned a spot on the Philadelphia 76ers' summer league roster after declaring for the 2024 and 2025 NBA drafts. Almansa's decision to commit to Gonzaga for the 2026‑27 season brings a seasoned, internationally‑sourced talent to a program already known for its disciplined play under head coach Mark Few.
Almansa arrives in Spokane after a 2023‑24 G League Ignite campaign in which he posted 10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds across 48 appearances. His experience alongside veterans such as Jeremy Pargo and Dink Pate, and his brief stint with the 76ers' development squad, have prepared him for the rigors of NCAA competition.
Other Alumni Making Their Mark
Thierry Darlan, a French guard who spent two seasons with the Ignite before moving on to Santa Clara, is now contributing 6.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in the 2025‑26 season. His transition mirrors that of Abdullah Ahmed, a BYU Cougars recruit whose 1.3‑point average belies a longer professional résumé that includes 54 games with the Westchester Knicks.
London Johnson, another Ignite alumnus, signed with the Louisville Cardinals for the 2025‑26 year but was redshirted to preserve eligibility. During his lone season with the Cleveland Charge, he averaged 3.3 points and 1.8 assists, numbers that hint at a player still sharpening his craft.
The ripple effects extend beyond individual rosters. Coaches like Herb Sendek at UMass Minutemen and Pat Kelsey at Louisville have publicly praised the depth and work ethic these former professionals bring to practice, noting that the blend of physical maturity and tactical awareness can elevate entire squads.
Implications for the NBA Draft Landscape
For the NBA, the G League Ignite model has always been positioned as a direct alternative to college basketball. Yet the recent influx of Ignite alumni into NCAA programs blurs the line between the two pathways. Players such as Mark Few's Gonzaga Bulldogs now field talent that has already tasted NBA summer league action, potentially shortening the adjustment period for future pros.
Analysts suggest that this convergence could lead to more hybrid strategies, where teams evaluate prospects based on a combination of college performance and prior professional exposure. As the lines continue to blur, the next draft class may feature a higher proportion of players who have navigated both the G League and college circuits.
The story also underscores the global reach of American basketball development. Almansa's move from Spain to the United States, and Darlan's own European background, highlight how the sport's talent pool is increasingly borderless, feeding into both collegiate and professional narratives.