As the NBA Draft approaches, college basketball players who declared for early entry face a critical decision: remain in the draft or return to school. The deadline to withdraw and retain NCAA eligibility is May 28, 2025, just days away. This pivotal moment has players, coaches, and fans on edge, awaiting final decisions that will shape the landscape of college basketball for the upcoming season.
The Importance of the May 28 Deadline
Under NCAA rules, players who have remaining college eligibility must withdraw from the NBA Draft by May 28 to return to their respective schools. Failing to meet this deadline results in forfeiting NCAA eligibility, effectively ending their college careers . This policy underscores the gravity of the decision facing these athletes.
Notable Players Facing the Deadline
Several high-profile players are currently weighing their options:
- Otega Oweh (Kentucky): Oweh, Kentucky’s leading scorer last season, is considering his future. Despite being projected as a second-round pick, he believes he has first-round potential and is using private workouts to bolster his draft stock. A strong NIL package from Kentucky could influence his decision to return .
- Jaden Bradley (Arizona): Bradley, a junior guard, has declared for the draft but has the option to return to Arizona. His decision will impact Arizona’s lineup and their prospects for the upcoming season .
- Carter Bryant (Arizona): Bryant, a freshman forward, is also in the draft pool. Arizona hopes he will return, potentially starting at forward next season .
- Cooper Flagg (Duke): Flagg, widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick, has declared for the draft and is unlikely to return to Duke .
- Koby Brea (Kentucky): Brea, a standout 3-point shooter, is gaining attention in the lead-up to the draft. His shooting ability makes him a valuable asset in today’s NBA .
The Impact of NIL and NBA Combine Evaluations
The advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities has provided college players with financial incentives to return to school. For instance, Kentucky may offer Oweh a lucrative NIL deal to entice him back. Additionally, performances at the NBA Draft Combine, held from May 11 to 18, play a significant role in shaping draft prospects. Players who impress during the combine can elevate their draft positions, influencing their decisions to stay in the draft or return to college .
The Broader Implications
The May 28 deadline not only affects individual players but also has broader implications for college basketball programs. Teams are anxiously awaiting decisions that will impact their rosters and strategies for the upcoming season. The uncertainty surrounding player decisions adds an element of unpredictability to the offseason.
Conclusion
As the May 28 deadline looms, college basketball players face a critical juncture in their careers. The decisions made in the coming days will have lasting effects on their futures and the landscape of college basketball. With the NBA Draft Combine evaluations and NIL opportunities influencing choices, the next few days will be pivotal in shaping the next generation of basketball talent.
