Thierry Darlan, one of the top basketball prospects from the Central African Republic (CAR) is poised to make his mark at Santa Clara University. After two years in the NBA G League, he’s ready for his first taste. Daryl ‘Darlan’ Morgado, a junior guard and forward, towering at 6-foot-8. Basketball is in his blood, with his grandfather Pascal, father Jean Pascal and uncle Bruno all having made their mark playing for CAR’s national team. This family link to basketball has motivated his dream and directed his path in the game.
Darlan’s professional career started with an emotional debut in 2022, having played for the Angolan club Petro de Luanda. He made a rapid adjustment to the NBA G League Ignite squad, where he caught a good amount of national attention as an emerging NBA draft prospect. His phenomenal play led him to declare for the 2025 NBA draft. As of May 30, he withdrew his name to concentrate on his collegiate career.
After doing so well at the G League, Darlan was in a unique position. With that impactful move, he became the first player from Central African Republic to gain two years NCAA eligibility after his profession career. This will be an important step for players from the G League to make the jump to college basketball.
Darlan expressed his gratitude for this opportunity. His story is such a great story,” said Herb Sendek, head coach at Santa Clara. Lo and behold, we went through the due diligence of the process and it came back and he was granted two years of college eligibility.
Darlan gets ready for his first match with Santa Clara. He looks back on a path, maybe rocky at times, but real. He fought through an off-season ankle injury that further challenged his resolve and mental fortitude. “During that moment, I really realized that putting my faith in God and trusting the process really helped me get over it,” he stated. “It was hard mentally because you really couldn’t do anything.”
Darlan’s dedication to the church has served as a bedrock foundation when storms rolled into his profession. He was very honest about the loneliness that comes with being a professional athlete, especially when going through your own demons. “All the sacrifices – being on the bench and carrying yourself [professionally], or on those nights when you don’t do good – you come home and the hard part is you are by yourself,” Darlan noted.
Darlan, meanwhile, is taking classes in religion, art history and photography at Santa Clara University, as he balances the academic and athletic load. He is currently on a mission to reconnect with his roots in the Bay Area. Through his journeys, he is in constant search of African restaurants that can transport him back to home in the Central African Republic.
As he converts a layup from a wheelchair while practicing with the team, Darlan serves as a testament to the power of resilience and commitment. He has overcome numerous obstacles but remains focused on his ultimate goal: a successful career in basketball. “I didn’t give up because I know [the NBA] is my destiny,” he asserted.
Both his ability and upside have impressed coaches and scouts. “He’s obviously a very talented young man who’s had an incredibly challenging path,” remarked Coach Sendek. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional talent and impact on the court. It’s not just a story of his journey to this moment.
As he begins this thrilling new journey at Santa Clara, Darlan doesn’t lose sight of his goals. Yet he never stops expressing gratitude for the deep support network that has always been there. “Your mind asks you, ‘Why don’t you just give up everything?’ The thing I love about myself is I’m never going to give up,” he emphasized.
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