Michigan State coach Tom Izzo expressed frustration and confusion over the NCAA’s recent decision to allow the former NBA “G League players to compete in Division I basketball”. He called the move another sign of a system losing its direction. The issue gained attention this week when London Johnson, a former four-star recruit who spent three years in the G League, committed to playing Louisville. His move came just a few weeks after Thierry Darlananother G League veteran, was deemed eligible to join Saint Clare.
“It was imposed on us again” Izzo said. “A guy can be in the G League for two or three years and all of a sudden he’s eligible? Most of my staff didn’t know anything about it. I’m not really excited about the NCAA or the people who make these decisions that don’t talk to us, that let it go because they’re afraid of getting sued.”
Under previous NCAA rules on amateurism, athletes who accepted compensation beyond base expenses could not return to college competition. Johnson signed a two-year, $1.1 million contract to join the now-defunct G League Ignite program out of high school in 2022. Darlan, a native of the Central African Republic, played in the NBA Academy Africa program before joining the G League.
The NCAA has not officially announced a new policy, but the way it has handled these cases has raised questions about the distinction between professional and amateur players. NIL has already blurred these distinctions, along with the growth of the transfer portal.
“What about the freshman you recruited there?” Izzo said. “He’s somebody’s son and he thinks he found a good place and then all of a sudden, shazam, they take off their hat and bring in a 21 or 22 year old. To me, that’s ridiculous. To me, that’s embarrassing.”
Izzo, now entering his 31st season, said neither he nor other coaches he spoke with were aware of any eligibility changes. He urged the NCAA to be more transparent and “get its act together” before further eroding the structure of college basketball.
“Maybe it’s me, maybe I’m the dummy but I will never accept that kind of thing,” Izzo said. “I think we’re really hurting high school kids by giving them a chance. What’s the age limit now: 30? If you have three beards and two mustaches, are you illegal? What will it be?”
While Izzo joked that the NCAA’s decision could allow him to recall Magic Johnson and other former Spartans now to the NBA, the humor didn’t mask his frustration. The Hall of Fame coach made it clear the changes reflected a deeper problem in the way the sport is run.
Johnson, 21, averaged 7.8 points and 3.0 assists per game over three G League seasons, spending time with the Ignite, Maine Celtics and Cleveland charge. According to On3he will sit out this season at Louisville and become eligible to play in 2026-27, with two years of college eligibility remaining.
