The 2025 NBA Draft is rapidly coming closer, with the draft lottery sequence now determined; however, the list of eligible players for selection hasn’t been completed just yet.
This year, early entrants have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 28, to withdraw from the NBA Draft process and maintain their NCAA eligibility. Many players who elect to return to college have tested the NBA Draft waters for feedback before returning to their original college or transferring to a different institution.
In the age of Name, Image, and Likelihood (NIL), numerous borderline draft selections opt to go back to college for increased stability and potentially bigger financial rewards, all while boosting their prospects for the draft. This NIL compensation introduces an additional layer to the pre-draft landscape, leading several high-profile athletes to choose staying in academia over entering professional play immediately.
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As the May 29 deadline looms closer, let’s take a current glance at prominent athletes who have opted out of the 2025 NBA Draft.
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Which players have opted out of the 2025 NBA Draft?
Alex Condon, Florida
Condon was expected to be selected in the later part of the first round or early in the second round, but he has decided to go back to Florida for his junior season in 2025-26. Last year, he recorded an average of 10.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and he aims to expand his responsibilities as the Gators aim for their next consecutive championship.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Michigan added Lendeborg via the transfer portal after he played at UAB, and now he’s set to join the team for his third and final year in NCAA Division I basketball. Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 240 pounds, Lendeborg excels in multiple areas; during his previous season, he recorded an average of 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He aims to replicate these impressive stats while suiting up for Michigan in their signature maize and blue colors.
Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
After finishing his freshman year at Auburn with impressive momentum, Pettiford became a sought-after name during the draft process. He will be returning to The Plains for another season, where expectations are high that he’ll enhance his standing and solidify himself as a guaranteed first-round selection in 2026.
Isaiah Evans, Duke
During the 2024-25 campaign, Evans played a crucial role in Duke’s achievements and emerged as a popular pick to be selected either near the end of the first round or at the beginning of the second. Next year, he plans to rejoin the team and likely take on significant responsibilities, particularly as a return specialist for a squad consistently aiming for national championships.
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Boogie Fland, Florida
Following his rookie year at Arkansas, Fland is set to continue his collegiate career with another Southeastern Conference institution. He’s a skilled point guard whose draft stock was projected for the latter part of the first round or early in the second. However, he now has an opportunity to join a new team within the Florida program known for enhancing the performance of guards.
Karter Knox, Arkansas
During his freshman year in 2024-25, Knox excelled under pressure, particularly scoring 15 and 20 points in key March Madness matches. His performance piqued interest, yet he has the potential to further establish himself through reliable contributions throughout his sophomore campaign with Arkansas.
Milos Uzan, Houston
The discussion about Uzan wasn’t steady because people thought he could develop from being picked for the middle of the second round into someone more significant. However, instead of pursuing this potential, he will go back to lead his team again with hopes of securing their very first championship after coming close before.
Darrion Williams, NC State
Williams decided to explore his options in the NBA draft but opted out after testing the waters. He will now join Will Wade’s inaugural transfer recruiting class at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. Coming off an impressive season where he averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game with Texas Tech, Williams is set to make significant contributions to the Wolfpack during the 2025-26 campaign.
PJ Haggerty, Kansas State
Although not everyone sees him as a draft prospect, Haggerty will receive substantial compensation for leaving Memphis to spend his last year playing in Manhattan, Kansas. He’ll
reportedly
get a $2 million basic package along with $500,000 in bonuses, figures consistent with those of a Second-team All-American who scored an average of 21.7 points per game in the previous season.
Otega Oweh, Kentucky
Oweh is set to return to the Wildcats after scoring an average of 16.2 points and grabbing 4.7 rebounds per game during the previous season. Having previously transferred from Oklahoma, Oweh is poised to play a crucial role and serve as a key scorer for Kentucky in his fourth year at the college level.
Labaron Philon, Alabama
Philon has decided not to enter the 2025 NBA Draft and instead plans to return for his sophomore season with Alabama. During his first year, he contributed an average of 10.6 points and 3.8 assists per game for the Crimson Tide. At just 19 years old, Philon aims to concentrate on his growth moving forward, leaving one of the expected late-first or early-second round picks among point guards unavailable in this draft cycle.
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Which players have announced their entry into the 2025 NBA Draft?
Cedric Coward, Washington State
Apart from the top prospects anticipated to be selected early in the lottery, the most notable player staying in this draft is Coward. He has gained significant attention due to his physical attributes and all-around game. Coward started his collegiate journey at the Division III level, then transferred to Eastern Washington for his sophomore year, and finished his college career with Washington State during his senior season.
He intended to utilize his last year at Duke, however, he won’t set foot on the campus in Durham, N.C.
affirmed
his plans to stay in the draft on May 24.
Adou Thiero, Arkansas
Thiero missed much of the season’s closing phase due to injuries. Although he made a comeback during the Razorbacks’ game against Texas Tech in the Sweet 16, which they lost, his performance was far from his usual standard.
Even though he was hampered by an injury and had a reduced part in the final game, Thiero managed averages of 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 27 matches during his sophomore season. He is anticipated to be picked either towards the end of the first round or at the beginning of the second round and possesses significant potential as a dynamic forward who still has areas where he can improve.
Jamir Watkins, Florida State
Watkins was a much-coveted asset in the transfer portal but has decided to stay in the NBA Draft. At age 23, he started his journey at VCU and later moved to Florida State, where during the 2024-25 season, he recorded an average of 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
He’s a 6-7 forward who has been forecasted as a mid-to-late second-round selection in simulated drafts.
What is the date of the 2025 NBA Draft?
-
Date:
Wednesday, June 25, and Thursday, June 26 -
Time (ET):
8 p.m. ET -
Location:
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, N.Y.
This year signifies the second consecutive time that the NBA Draft will span across two days.
The initial segment of the NBA Draft is set for Wednesday, June 25, with the subsequent part scheduled for Thursday, June 26.
