The 2025 NBA Draft withdrawal deadline has come and gone, and we saw a significant number of top 60 prospects choosing to return to school rather than pursue their NBA careers. This trend, driven largely by lucrative NIL deals, has reshaped both the NBA draft landscape and the upcoming college basketball season.
Key Prospects Who Withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft
- Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan): Perhaps the most high-profile withdrawal, Lendeborg was gaining momentum as a potential late first-round pick after an impressive season and NBA Draft Combine. Instead, he opted to return to school (Michigan), where he could be a preseason All-American candidate. His NIL deal is reportedly in the $3 million range.
- Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn): Pettiford, a dynamic point guard and potential late first-rounder, chose to return to Auburn. He is set to play a leading role for the Tigers, who are coming off a Final Four appearance. His decision was influenced by a substantial NIL package, reportedly north of $2 million. I’m really excited to see Pettiford play another year in college. He’s going to put on a show.
- Alex Condon (Florida): Condon withdrew his name just before the deadline, giving Florida a major boost for the upcoming season. I had him as an early second rounder this year but think he could elevate his draft stock into the first round range next draft cycle.
- Labaron Philon (Alabama): This one was a pretty big surprise for me. It seemed that Philon was all in on the draft but instead he heads back to Bama for year two. He’s going to be a fun watch next year.
- Milos Uzan (Houston): Uzan also pulled his name out, opting to continue his college career at Houston, give the cougars a lot of guard depth.
- Boogie Fland (Florida): The Arkansas transfer measured fairly well at the combine but didn’t feel he had the draft momentum after an injury plagued freshman season. He’ll bring his dynamic scoring and play-making ability to a deep Gator team next year.
- Karter Knox (Arkansas): I’m very high on Knox but think he made a great decision to return to the Hogs and improve his game and his draft stock.
- Darrion Williams (NC State): Announced his withdrawal earlier in the week and signed with NC State. A good decision for him IMHO.
- Otega Oweh (Kentucky): Oweh kept fans in suspense but ultimately decided to return to Kentucky, where he is projected as a possible SEC Player of the Year candidate. Kentucky is stacked.
- PJ Haggerty (Kansas State): The Memphis transfer was a borderline second round pick this year so it seems like a wise decision to return to school. Kansas State is putting some good talent together.
- Miles Byrd (San Diego State): Byrd announced his return to school, providing a big boost to San Diego State.
Why Are Prospects Returning to School?
The rise of NIL deals has fundamentally altered the decision-making process for college stars. Players who might have been fringe first- or second-round picks now have the option to earn millions by staying in college, often more than what they could make on a two-way NBA contract or in the G League. With top programs offering competitive NIL packages, the incentive to return to school is stronger than ever.
Impact on the 2025 NBA Draft and College Basketball
The 2025 NBA Draft will feature the fewest early entry prospects in a decade, making the second round especially thin. I still think the talent in the first round is very strong but it falls off sharply in the early second round range.
College basketball, meanwhile, is set for one of its most talent-rich seasons in years, with programs like Michigan, Auburn, Florida, and Kentucky reaping the benefits of returning stars.
The landscape for the 2025-26 college season is dramatically improved, with many teams now boasting rosters valued at $10 million or more due to NIL investments. The 2025 draft is just around the corner but I’m already stoked for the start of the college basketball season 5 months from now!
Here’s how that stacked 2026 draft is shaping up.
And my latest 2025 Mock Draft