In a thrilling moment that will be etched in college basketball lore, St. John's Red Storm guard Dylan Darling made a name for himself with a clutch performance against the No.
4 Kansas Jayhawks. With the game tied at 65 and just 3.9 seconds remaining, Darling took matters into his own hands.
His drive to the hoop culminated in a game-winning buzzer-beater layup, marking his only points of the night but crucial ones to fend off a late Kansas comeback.
The spotlight on Darling revealed an intriguing family connection to sports. His father, James Darling, carved out a notable 10-year career in the NFL as a linebacker. James played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals, bringing a wealth of athletic pedigree to the Darling family.
James Darling's NFL Journey
James Darling, a former NFL linebacker, was a second-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1997 NFL Draft. His collegiate career at Washington State was distinguished, earning him All-Pac-10 honors twice and a second-team All-American nod during his senior year.
In the NFL, James spent four seasons with the Eagles before moving on to the Jets and then the Cardinals. Over his decade-long career, he played 139 games, amassing 398 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, six interceptions, and four forced fumbles. His standout season came in 2004 with the Cardinals, where he recorded 93 tackles, two forced fumbles, a sack, and an interception.
Born on December 29, 1974, in Denver, Colorado, James is now 51 years old.
Dylan Darling's Background
Dylan Darling hails from Spokane, Washington, where he attended Central Valley High School. Before making his mark at St. John's, he played at Idaho State and Washington State, following in his father's footsteps.
This incredible buzzer-beater moment not only highlighted Dylan's potential but also shone a light on the legacy of athletic excellence in the Darling family. As Dylan continues his journey, fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on how he builds on this unforgettable performance.