Article Summary
The 2025 NBA draft withdrawal deadline has passed, with several notable players deciding to return to college. This decision has implications for the players, their colleges, and the NBA teams. We will discuss the impact of NIL deals, the most significant storylines, and the college basketball teams that benefited the most from players returning to school. ESPN college basketball insiders Jeff Borzello, Jonathan Givony, and Jeremy Woo weigh in on the topic.
What This Means for You
- The NBA draft landscape is changing due to NIL deals, affecting the number of players entering the draft and how teams evaluate them.
- The decision to return to college can lead to an older, more pro-ready crop of rookies in the future, with additional cachet among casual fans.
- Players staying in school is no longer a deal breaker for NBA teams, and analytics-oriented executives are adjusting their draft models accordingly.
- The 2025-26 freshmen class appears to be weak, potentially leading to one of the oldest first rounds in some time this time next year.
2025 NBA Draft Withdrawal Deadline: NIL, Florida, Danny Wolf
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How are NIL deals impacting the NBA draft landscape?
The number of early-entrant candidates in the 2025 NBA draft was the lowest in a decade, due in part to the introduction of NIL deals. This has caused concerns among NBA teams, as they will need to adjust to older, more pro-ready rookies and the impact of NIL on college basketball competition and player evaluations.
Which college basketball team is the biggest winner after the withdrawal deadline?
Florida is a significant winner after the deadline, with the additions of Boogie Fland and the return of Alex Condon. These additions give the Gators a legitimate chance to defend their title and potentially open the season as the No. 1 team.
With the addition of Fland and Condon returning, how well are the Gators set up to defend their title?
The Florida Gators have a legitimate starting five and a real opportunity to defend their title. The team has a strong frontcourt, solid guard play, and a real shot at being a top-ranked team going into the season.
Which college basketball team was most hurt by prospects who stayed in the draft?
Penn State is among the teams hurt the most by prospects staying in the draft, with Yanic Konan Niederhauser opting to remain in the draft as a borderline first-round pick.
The transfer portal most helped this draft prospect because …
Joseph Tugler, who won the Lefty Driesell Award for college basketball’s best defensive player, benefited from entering the transfer portal and committing to Houston. Playing for a high-level program in the Big 12 has helped his development and increased his chances of being a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Which prospect who returned to school has the best chance to rise in the 2026 NBA draft?
Bennett Stirtz, a 6-foot-4 point guard who played for Drake last season, has the best chance to rise in the 2026 NBA draft. After a dominant season in the Horizon League and strong performances against Missouri and Texas, Stirtz is set to play for Iowa in the Big Ten, giving him more exposure and the opportunity to improve his draft stock.
Who’s an under-the-radar prospect you like who went back to school and could be a first-round pick in 2026?
Zuby Ejiofor, a center from St. John’s, is an under-the-radar prospect who could rise in the 2026 NBA draft. After being named the Big East’s most improved player and earning a spot on the All-Big East first team, Ejiofor has the potential to improve his draft stock with a strong senior season, showcasing his physicality and motor in the paint.
People Also Ask
- What is the significance of the NBA draft withdrawal deadline?
- How are NIL deals changing the NBA draft landscape?
- Which college basketball teams benefited from the withdrawal deadline?
- Which prospects have the best chance to rise in the 2026 NBA draft?
- Who are some under-the-radar prospects to watch in 2026?
Expert Opinion
The NBA draft withdrawal deadline and NIL deals have significantly impacted the NBA draft landscape, with older, more pro-ready rookies entering the draft. Players staying in college is no longer a deal breaker for NBA teams, and analytics-oriented executives are adjusting their draft models accordingly. The 2025-26 college basketball season will be crucial, as teams with experienced players, like Florida, have a real opportunity to make a deep run in the tournament.
Key Terms
- 2025 NBA draft
- NIL deals
- Florida Gators
- Boogie Fland
- Alex Condon
- NBA draft withdrawal deadline
- 2026 NBA draft
- Under-the-radar prospects
- Zuby Ejiofor
- Bennett Stirtz
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