Nate Darling

Nate Darling's Biography

Nathan Joseph Darling, a pride of Canadian basketball, was born on the 30th of August in 1998. Currently, he is a professional basketball player with the San Diego Clippers, a team that competes in NBA G League. Born with a talent for basketball, he made his mark in college basketball, playing for teams such as the UAB Blazers and the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens. He even has the distinction of being the first and only player from the Blue Hens to make it into the NBA.

Growing up, Darling’s affection for the sport was nurtured at DeMatha Catholic High School, sharing the court with the highly rated Markelle Fultz and football star, Chase Young. In his high school years, Darling exhibited tremendous potential, which led him to his collegiate career at UAB. As a freshman, he averaged 2.5 points per game. This initial attempt was a building block, and in his sophomore year, he increased his average score to 10.1 points per game, with a phenomenal 40.9 percent on three-pointers.

Having tasted success at UAB, Darling was drawn to new opportunities. Therefore, following the successful season as a sophomore, he transferred to the University of Delaware. The 14th of December 2019 marked a high note in his career as he scored a game-high 29 points against 20th-ranked Villanova. Despite a slight 78-70 loss, his dazzling performance caught everyone’s attention. His coach, Martin Ingelsby, was quoted-touting Darling’s performance, stating that he was playing like one of the best guards in college basketball.

In the following year, Darling’s determination led to his average rising steeply to 21 points per game. His stellar performance throughout that season didn’t go unnoticed, earning him first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) honors. As his stardom continued to rise, Darling declared for the 2020 NBA draft while still holding onto his college eligibility. However, on the 3rd of August, he announced his decision to remain in the draft and turn professional.

Despite not being drafted in the highly competitive 2020 NBA draft, Darling continued to chase his dream. He inked a deal with the Charlotte Hornets for a two-way contract. The contract had him splitting his time between the Hornets and their NBA G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, signaling a significant step in his career. This contract also put him under the guided tutelage of fellow Canadian, Assistant Coach Jay Triano. His debut in the NBA came on the 13th of March, 2021, against the Toronto Raptors. His three-pointer in the fourth quarter earned him a distinction as the first-ever Nova Scotia born player in NBA history.

Darling’s drive and ambition led him to the Los Angeles Clippers, signing a deal on October 16, 2021. However, due to circumstances, he was waived shortly after. Later, on the 23rd of October, he was picked fifth by the Agua Caliente Clippers in the 2021 NBA G League draft. In a turn of events, on February 17, 2023, Darling bagged a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. He was nevertheless waived four days later, returning to the Ontario Clippers on February 23 without having played a single game for the NBA team.

Moving forward, on the 9th of October, 2023, a determined Darling signed once again with the Los Angeles Clippers but was waived on October 20 before the 2023 – 2024 season even began. After a short ten-day period, he joined hands with the Ontario Clippers yet again. Still holding onto his undying love for the sport, Darling signed with the Los Angeles Clippers for the third time on September 20, 2024. Unfortunately, the contract was short-lived, and he was waived on October 12. Finally, on October 28, Nathan Darling found his spot with the San Diego Clippers, marking another chapter in his eventful professional basketball journey.