THIERRY Serge Darlan cracked a smile when asked about a picture of his much younger self holding up a certificate on his IG account. The image in question is the last in a series depicting Darlan’s journey from his homeland, the Central African Republic, to his current NBA G League franchise, the Delaware Blue Coats.
The Big Tip Off was interested in uncovering the feelings that were evoked when he looked back at the picture of his formative years, considering his journey and the hurdles he has had to jump to get to where he is.
Responding to the question, the 21-year-old, who honed his game at the NBA Academy in Saly, Senegal, recalled a version of himself intent on putting in the hard yards to fulfil his basketball dreams.
“I am really proud of that young man for the effort he put in. Back home, he worked hard every single day. I mean every single day,” said Darlan. “The only time I would miss training is if I was sick or something else. So, yep, I am really proud of that young man.”
Before moving across the Atlantic, Darlan, one of the finest talents from the continent, had to prepare himself for that transition. The NBA Academy, while making sure the youngster perfected his craft on the court, also shaped him.
“It was one of the best experiences since I started playing basketball. Over there, I began to believe in myself more and that I could make it. That place changed my view of how to play basketball,” said Darlan. “When I started playing basketball, I was just playing for fun. As soon as I got to the Academy, my attitude shifted. The people there helped me achieve my dream. They pushed me every day to give my best. They did it at practice and at the weight room. I am really grateful for that opportunity.”
Darlan also shared some wisdom imparted to him during his stay in Senegal. “I learnt a lot of things while I was there. One of the first things you learn is how to be a man, on and off the court. Another thing is the importance of being on time. You have to be on time no matter what,” said Darlan.
Keeping time has not been an issue for Darlan, but the second-year G-League pro had to deal with the injury bug in his first season during his stint at G-League Ignite.
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A dislocated ankle, which saw him play only 29 games, stalled his progress at the now-disbanded G-League Ignite franchise. With Ignite he averaged 4.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 0.8 apg.
This year, Darlan – first drafted by Rip City Remix this season – has remained healthy, appearing in 24 games for the Blue Coats while boosting his production to 9.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, and 1.6 apg.
Darlan is also happy with his own progress after his struggles in his first G-League season. “I am pleased with my current situation. I have put in so much work and feel this is only the beginning. It’s a learning curve… I am grateful for these experiences,” said Darlan.
He also spoke about his jump in productivity in this season’s G-League. “I don’t really pay attention to the statistics. I just wanna hoop and enjoy myself on the court. If I can learn and be that guy who brings value to the team, that’s great. I am the piece in the team that can do the dirty work, the one that can do everything,” said Darlan.
It is exciting to see one of the promising talents from Africa playing again. Having gone through struggle and now being back on the basketball court, we asked him how he felt about now living the dream of playing in the NBA?
“Good question. To be honest, I don’t know. I am out there doing my best. If I get drafted, that’s great. If not, it was probably not God’s plan for me,” said Darlan. “I try not to worry about that stuff. I am living in the present.”
At present, Darlan is in a good space in his career. He speaks with an understanding that nothing is guaranteed, so enjoying each moment is paramount. It is also the best way to honour the Thierry in the picture holding up a certificate many years ago.
