Darling grew up in Spokane, Washington and attended Central Valley High School.[1] He was named the Greater Spokane League MVP as a senior after averaging 33.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 4.4 steals per game.[2] Darling committed to play college basketball at Washington State over offers from Idaho State and Seattle Pacific.[3]
College career
Darling began his college career at Washington State. He averaged 1.7 points in 25 games played as a freshman.[4] Darling suffered a season-ending injury two games into his sophomore season and used a medical redshirt. After the end of the season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal.[5]