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NBA hopefuls declaring early for draft dwindles as some NCAA stars choose NIL
TL;DR
The NBA has reported only 71 early entry candidates for the June draft, the lowest in over 20 years. The decline is attributed to the Name Image and Likeness (NIL) era, which incentivizes college athletes to remain in school.
Key points
- NBA reports 71 early entry candidates for the draft
- Lowest number in over two decades
- NIL era began in July 2021
- Staying in school is more appealing for players
- Draft scheduled for June 23-24
The NBA has announced 71 players have filed as early entry candidates for the draft in June – reportedly the smallest number of players in more than two decades.
Yet, just five years ago, the NBA announced 363 players had filed as early entry candidates – reportedly the highest number in league history. And the numbers have dipped every year since then.
There’s little mystery behind the trend. The Name Image and Likeness (NIL) era began in July 2021, allowing college athletes to cash in like never before. Clearly, it’s made staying in school more appealing for players not guaranteed to be picked high enough – or at all – during the two-round NBA draft that determines a rookie's salary. The year's draft will be held June 23-24.
Last year, Cooper Flagg, by virtue of getting picked No.1 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, was guaranteed a four-year deal worth more than $62 million, according to spotrac. Getting picked No. 30, the last pick of the first round, guaranteed a four-year deal worth $14 million, according to spotrac.
By contrast, not all second-round picks are guaranteed contracts.
Rasheer Fleming, the top second-round pick last year, was guaranteed about $6 million for a four-year, $8.7 million contact, according to spotrac.
Those who go undrafted, good luck.
(from left) Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg and head coach Jason Kidd pose for a photo at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility on June 27, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg follows through with a dunk against the Charlotte Hornets in the first half of a game at American Airlines Center on Oct .11, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) and San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) go for a loose ball during the second half at American Airlines Center on Oct. 22, 2025.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) battles for the ball with Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the first quarter at American Airlines Center on Nov. 16, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Center on Dec. 3, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg points to his team bench as he celebrates scoring against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center on Dec. 23, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg dunks the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the American Airlines Center on Jan. 1, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) sits on the team bench before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on Jan. 6, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) and Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (21) and guard Gary Payton II (0) battles for the ball during the first half at American Airlines Center on Jan. 22, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (15) and guard Buddy Hield (7) defend during the second half at American Airlines Center on Jan. 22, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (right) speaks with Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel before the game at American Airlines Center on Jan. 29, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) shoots over Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) and Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) during the second half at American Airlines Center on Jan. 29, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks the ball as Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (30) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center on Jan. 31, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks the ball past San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center on Feb 5, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) loses the ball while being defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Corey Kispert (24) in the second quarter at State Farm Arena on Mar 10, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) runs up the court during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Center on Mar 13, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center on Mar 16, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) blocks teh shot of Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) during the second half at American Airlines Center on Mar 18, 2026.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) controls the ball as Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center on Mar 18, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg celebrates during the first quarter against the LA Clippers at the American Airlines Center on Mar 21, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) helps up forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the first quarter against the LA Clippers at the American Airlines Center on Mar 21, 2026.
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) battle for the loose ball during the over time period at the American Airlines Center on Mar 21, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on Mar 23, 2026.
Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (15) and Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) battle for the ball with Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the second half at American Airlines Center on Mar 23, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks the ball past Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center on Apr 3, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
(from left) Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg and head coach Jason Kidd pose for a photo at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility on June 27, 2025.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
(from left) Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg and head coach Jason Kidd pose for a photo at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility on June 27, 2025.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg follows through with a dunk against the Charlotte Hornets in the first half of a game at American Airlines Center on Oct .11, 2025.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) and San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) go for a loose ball during the second half at American Airlines Center on Oct. 22, 2025.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) battles for the ball with Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the first quarter at American Airlines Center on Nov. 16, 2025.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Center on Dec. 3, 2025.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg points to his team bench as he celebrates scoring against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center on Dec. 23, 2025.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg dunks the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the American Airlines Center on Jan. 1, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) sits on the team bench before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on Jan. 6, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) and Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (21) and guard Gary Payton II (0) battles for the ball during the first half at American Airlines Center on Jan. 22, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (15) and guard Buddy Hield (7) defend during the second half at American Airlines Center on Jan. 22, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (right) speaks with Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel before the game at American Airlines Center on Jan. 29, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) shoots over Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) and Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) during the second half at American Airlines Center on Jan. 29, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks the ball as Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (30) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center on Jan. 31, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks the ball past San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center on Feb 5, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) loses the ball while being defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Corey Kispert (24) in the second quarter at State Farm Arena on Mar 10, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) runs up the court during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Center on Mar 13, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center on Mar 16, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) blocks teh shot of Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) during the second half at American Airlines Center on Mar 18, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) controls the ball as Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center on Mar 18, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg celebrates during the first quarter against the LA Clippers at the American Airlines Center on Mar 21, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) helps up forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the first quarter against the LA Clippers at the American Airlines Center on Mar 21, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) battle for the loose ball during the over time period at the American Airlines Center on Mar 21, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on Mar 23, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (15) and Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) battle for the ball with Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the second half at American Airlines Center on Mar 23, 2026.
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Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg named 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks the ball past Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center on Apr 3, 2026.
The case of Florida Gators star Thomas Haugh
The Athletic helped spotlight the new dynamics when Thomas Haugh, a rising senior forward at Florida who was considered potential draft lottery pick, recently diclosed he will return for a fourth season with the Gators.
“Haugh is expected to be among the highest earners in college basketball next season, with sources familiar with the decision projecting that he’s in line to make around what he’d earn in his first two NBA seasons combined if he’d been drafted in the top 20 in this year’s draft,’’ The Athletic reported.
Other potential first-round draft picks who have decided to stay in school include Braylon Mullins (UConn) and Patrick Ngongba II (Duke), according to Bryan Kalbrosky of USA TODAY Sports.
Meanwhile, the number of early entry candidates likely will shrink further before the NBA draft lottery, which is May 10 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. That’s when the order of selection will be determined for the 14 teams who qualified for the lottery.
In its release, Monday, April 27 the NBA explains the process if a player wants to withdraw his name. Under NCAA rules, in order to retain college basketball eligibility, college players who have entered the 2026 NBA Draft must withdraw by May 27. Players who have applied for early entry have the right to withdraw their names from consideration for the draft by notifying the NBA of their decision in writing no later than 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 13
That could include Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan), Ebuka Okorie (Stanford) and Meleek Thomas (Arkansas), according to Kalbrosky.
Alijan Arenas likely to return to USC despite being on early-entry list
Alijah Arenas, the son of retired NBA Al-Star Gilbert Arenas, will return for his sophomore season at Southern California, the Los Angeles Times has reported. He was a five-star high school recruit who seemed likely to opt for the NBA draft after one season with the Trojans, and his name appears on the early-entry college list the NBA released Monday.
In April 2025 Arena was placed in an induced coma after a car crash, and the accident resulted in a slow start to his freshman season.
The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.
See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
The shoes of Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
Shoes worn by Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
The Nike Lebron XXIII shoes worn by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Houston Rockets in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, at Crypto.com Arena.
Shoes worn by Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
The shoes of Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
1 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.
See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
1 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.
See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
2 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
3 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
4 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
Shoes worn by Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
5 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The Nike Lebron XXIII shoes worn by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Houston Rockets in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, at Crypto.com Arena.
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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
Shoes worn by Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
7 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
8 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
9 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
NBA draft early-entry college players
Non-international players from colleges who have applied for early entry into the 2026 NBA Draft, with player name, school, height and class (**FR=**freshman, **SO=**sophomore, **JR=**junior).
- Matt Able, N.C. State, 6-6, FR
- Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas, 6-3, FR
- Amari Allen, Alabama, 6-8, FR
- Nate Ament, Tennessee, 6-10, FR
- Christian Anderson Jr., Texas Tech, 6-3, SO
- Alijah Arenas, USC, 6-6, FR
- Flory Bidunga, Kansas, 6-10, SO
- Finley Bizjack, Butler, 6-4, JR
- John Blackwell, Wisconsin, 6-4, JR
- Shane Blakeney, Drexel, 6-5, JR
- Anton Bonke, Charlotte, 7-2, JR
- Cameron Boozer, Duke, 6-9, FR
- Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville, 6-5, FR
- Rowan Brumbaugh, Tulane, 6-4, JR
- Brayden Burries, Arizona, 6-4, FR
- Elliot Cadeau, Michigan, 6-1, JR
- Cameron Carr, Baylor, 6-5, SO
- Chris Cenac Jr., Houston, 6-11, FR
- Rueben Chinyelu, Florida, 6-10, JR
- Jacob Cofie, USC, 6-10, SO
- Cruz Davis, Hofstra, 6-3, JR
- Kennard Davis Jr., BYU, 6-6, JR
- Keanu Dawes, Utah, 6-9, JR
- AJ Dybantsa, BYU, 6-9, FR
- Gabe Dynes, USC, 7-5, JR
- Eian Elmer, Miami (Ohio), 6-6, JR
- Isaiah Evans, Duke, 6-6, SO
- Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State, 6-2, SO
- Kingston Flemings, Houston, 6-4, FR
- Colby Garland, San Jose State, 6-0, JR
- Allen Graves, Santa Clara, 6-9, FR
- Juke Harris, Wake Forest, 6-7, SO
- Isiah Harwell, Houston, 6-6, FR
- Lou Hutchinson, Alabama A&M, 6-7, JR
- Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan, 6-9, SO
- Acaden Lewis, Villanova, 6-2, FR
NBA draft early-entry international players
International players who have applied for early entry into the 2026 NBA Draft, with player name, team (country of team in parentheses) and date of birth):
- Mohammad Amini, Nancy (France), 6-7, 2005
- Pavle Backo, Mega (Serbia), 7-0, 2007
- Bassala Bagayoko, Bilbao (Spain), 6-10, 2006
- Francesco Ferrari, Virtus Bologna (Italy), 6-9, 2005
- Marc-Owen Fodzo Dada, Nancy (France), 5-11, 2006
- Vsevolod Ishchenko, Lokomotiv (Russia), 6-3, 2005
- Jack Kayil, Alba Berlin (Germany), 6-3, 2006
- Sergio de Larrea, Valencia (Spain), 6-6, 2005
- Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (Australia), 6-8, 2007
- Alexandros Samodurov, Panathinaikos (Greece), 6-11, 2005
- Luigi Suigo, Mega (Serbia), 7-2, 2007
When is the 2026 NBA Draft and lottery?
The 2026 NBA Draft lottery will be held in Chicago on Sunday, May 10 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. The lottery will determine the order of selection for the 14 teams who have qualified for the so-called lottery picks.
The 2026 NBA draft will take place June 23-24 in New York at the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets.
- The first round will be held at Tuesday, June 23 at 8 p.m. ET (ABC and ESPN)
- The second round will be on Wednesday, June 24 at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN).
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA draft 2026 early entry list shows fewer college players declaring
Q&A
Why are fewer players declaring for the NBA draft this year?
Fewer players are declaring for the NBA draft due to the Name Image and Likeness (NIL) era, which allows college athletes to earn money and makes staying in school more appealing.
How many players declared for the NBA draft in previous years?
In 2021, a record 363 players declared for the NBA draft, but that number has decreased annually, with only 71 players declaring this year.
What are the financial implications of being drafted in the NBA?
Being drafted No. 1 overall can guarantee a four-year deal worth over $62 million, while the last pick of the first round secures a deal worth $14 million; second-round picks often lack guaranteed contracts.
When is the NBA draft scheduled to take place?
The NBA draft is scheduled for June 23-24.
