Auburn’s frontcourt just got a major boost.
On Thursday, Steven Pearl said the NCAA has cleared overseas transfer Narcisse Ngoy to play for the Tigers, a development that strengthens Auburn’s roster just days before its first exhibition game of Pearl’s second season. The only catch: Ngoy will have two years of eligibility.
Ngoy, a French 7-footer, arrived from Poitiers Basket 86 in the French Elite 2 league and had already been working with Auburn since signing in March. In his last season there, he averaged 10.8 points per game while leading the league in rebounds per game at 11.5 and blocks per game at 2.5.
He also entered Auburn with some pro-level buzz. The Los Angeles Clippers took him in the second round of the NBA Draft this past season, but he chose to honor his commitment to the Tigers.
“I am thankful for the LA Clippers confidence in me,” he said back in June. “I fully intend to honor my commitment to Auburn University, and I am looking forward to wearing the Auburn Tigers jersey for the 2026-27 season.”
Ngoy is one of two overseas transfers still tied up in the eligibility process for the 2026 season. Mantas Rubštavičius is still waiting on NCAA approval, while Kolby King is also still in limbo.
If Rubštavičius gets cleared, Auburn’s projected rotation starts to take shape: Tahaad Pettiford at point guard, Kevin Overton at shooting guard, Adam Olsen or a cleared Rubštavičius on the wing, Thomas Dowd, Bukky Oboye or Owen Freeman at the four, and Ngoy at center.
The Tigers open their preseason in less than a week against Florida State on Wednesday, October 14. A week later, they’ll face Alabama in an exhibition, giving Ngoy an early shot at Iron Bowl action.
Pearl has been high on the newcomer from the start, and he made that clear when Ngoy signed.
“He’s a high-upside young man who brings toughness, physicality, and a team-first mindset to everything he does,” Pearl said. “Narcisse has a strong feel for the game on both ends of the floor. His instincts, ability to catch and finish around the basket, rim protection, and willingness to embrace contact will make him an immediate impact while filling a huge need for our team.”
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