NBA DRAFTS NARCISSE NGOY

Watching the second round of the NBA Draft on his couch on June 24, Pearl was surprised when the Los Angeles Clippers landed incoming Auburn center Narcisse Ngoy with the 57th overall pick.

“It was wild,” said Pearl, who immediately checked with Ngoy’s agent to confirm the 7-footer’s intention to play for Auburn this season. “We had to take it in stride. Narcisse came out the next day and made his commitment very vocal and was excited about getting to Auburn and getting started with us. When the big fellow made his post on his own, that made us all feel a lot better.”

Auburn announced the signing of the 7-footer on March 31 after Ngoy averaged a double-double in the French Elite 2 League. With Ngoy turning 22 on July13, he was automatically eligible to be drafted without declaring for it.

“It was a surprise to all of us,” Pearl said. “Narcisse was asleep when he got drafted. He had no idea until the next morning because his agent was not aware.

“It’s a testament to him and how he finished out his season. He played phenomenally well. He showed a lot of potential and upside. The Clippers are taking a chance on him but it’s one that could pay off if he comes to Auburn and has a good year or two.”

AUBURN MANTAS

The arrival of Auburn’s international players – Mantas Rubstavicius last Friday and Narcisse Tuesday – completes the Tigers’ roster.

“Mantas comes with a ton of experience at the international level,” Pearl said of the 6-foot-7, 202-pounder from Lithuania. “He’s going to have a lot of similarities to Chad Baker as far as how he plays, his ability to shoot the ball and play out of ball screens.”

The newcomers are scheduled to join their teammates for workouts and practice when the Tigers return from a week off after the Fourth of July weekend.

“I’m excited to see how those two guys fit in next week,” Pearl said. “Excited to see how quickly they’re able to gel, pick up the system and get incorporated with the guys.”

 Ngoy and Rubstavicius will try to catch up quickly after their new teammates had a four-week headstart in June.

“So far, our guys have had a productive summer to this point,” Pearl said.

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer