And The NBA Draft Just Got Weaker
The list of high level prospects forgoing the riches of the NBA draft for the even richer NIL riches of college basketball is far too long to name here but it’s having a big impact on this year’s NBA Draft and has changed the landscape of the 2027 NBA Draft.
The Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rules that the NCAA first enacted in 2021 have escalated into a maelstrom of college basketball madness making this once “amateur sport” feel more like the NBA free agency on steroids.
Here’s a look at some of the top talents that tested the NBA Draft waters but were lured back to the riches of college basketball:
NILionaires
John Blackwell – SG – Duke – The former Wisconsin Badger tested the draft waters and would have likely been a second round pick but chose instead to return to school and give Duke yet another big time talent for their loaded 2026/27 roster. He might not improve his draft stock much over the next year but he’ll get paid a lot better in college than he would have as a second rounder.
Milon Momcilovic – SF – NA??? – The sweet-shooting slow-footed small forward waited until the lat minute to make his decision but in the end the massive money of college basketball proved too much for the paltry paychecks of the NBA. What a world we’re living in! The highest level of professional sports is struggling to compete with the massive financial power of the so called “amateur ranks”. But then again, the other day I paid $18 for light bulb so I guess the whole world has pretty much gone bananas.
Flory Bidunga – PF/C – Louisville – I’m not sure if Flory will be a NBA star or even a starter but I’m such a big fan of his game. He’s twitchy and bursty and bouncy as hell and changes ends in a flash. I think those type of athletic traits will help him have a long NBA career. But that will have to wait at least one more season as Flory has withdrawn from the draft and will be playing at Louisville next season.
Amari Allen – SF – Alabama – This decision was pretty widely expected but still, I’m a big surprised. It’s rare to see a player have such a breakout season and fit the mold of the modern NBA and yet decide to return to school. It’s pretty simple really; college basketball is out-competing the NBA for the late first round-level prospects. I’m not sure Allen will greatly improve his draft stock for next season but it doesn’t really mater, he’ll get paid handsomely for returning to school, enjoying his time in college and continuing to prepare himself for the professional level.
Tyler Tanner – PG – Vanderbilt – I know some people are high on Tyler Tanner as a NBA prospect but to me he’s got all the makings of a great college player who is best served using all of his eligibility to max out his earnings at a level of play where he can be a superstar. He might have a NBA future but at Vanderbilt he’s the guy (and a highly paid guy at that).
Billy Richmond III – SG/SF – Arkansas – Richmond has been on a steady upward trajectory as a prospect and I think he’ll continue to improve his game and be a name to watch in the 2027 NBA Draft.
Malachi Moreno – C – Kentucky – Not much has gone Kentucky’s way over the past several season but getting Moreno back for his sophomore season is a major, major win.
Matt Able – SG – North Carolina – Able had some buzz going for him at the NBA Draft Combine but was still viewed as a likely second rounder. He’ll not only make more money at UNC but also be in the national spotlight instead of riding a NBA bench or spending a year or two in the G League. Smart move for him to return to school.
Upperclassmen In The First Round Of My Stupidly Early 2027 Mock Draft
With next year’s freshman class being a bit softer there is plenty of room for these NILionaires to land in the first round. At this very early stage I have 15 upperclassmen listed in the first round of my 2027 mock. This includes:
5) Braylon Mullins – SG – UConn – Mullins made an early decision to stay in school and will the focal point of the UConn offense next season. I was a bit surprised, as I had a lottery grade on Mullins this year.
8) Motiejus Krivas – C – Arizona – Krivas would have been a first rounder and likely top 20 pick this year but should be a lottery pick in 2027.
9) Thomas Haugh – SF/PF – Florida – Haugh surprised a lot of people by returning to Florida. He should be in the running for national player of the year and to be a lottery pick next year.
10) Alijah Arenas – SG – USC – Arenas could go top 5 or late first round. It’ll be a big year for him to prove that he can harness all of his natural talent and become a more efficient player. His USC team will be really fun to watch.
17) Rueben Chinyelu – C – Florida – I’m a huge Chinyelu fan and am excited to see him back at Florida. I think there’s a world in which he takes another step with his game and challenges for the lottery.
19) Dame Sarr – SG/SF – Duke – Sarr might not be a high scoring guy but he’s such a standout defender and big time athlete on the wing that I think he has a lot of value to NBA teams. Hopefully he shows some more flashes of offensive creativity this coming year.
20) Moustapha Thiam – C – Michigan – I love that he transferred to Michigan to try to replicate some of the success of Aday Mara and co. Thiam is a unique talent with elite size and a chance to be a solid NBA level center.
22) Tounde Yessoufou – SG/SF – St. John’s – It seems like a smart decision for him to return to school and hone his craft. He’s got a ton of natural talent and just needs to keep refining his game. I could see him rising into the lottery.
23) Mor Massamba Diop – C – Gonzaga – Not the most heralded player Diop has big time ability and unique movement skills for his size. I think he’ll be a great fit on the front-line for Gonzaga.
25) Malachi Moreno – C – Kentucky – Moreno is another guy who could rise into the lottery with a big second season at Kentucky. He’s a really talented dude with legit NBA size. I’d like to see him improve his conditioning and mobility a bit but that should come with time.
26) Shelton Henderson – SF – Miami – It’s hard to rank Henderson. He’s a physical force at the college level but has work to do expanding his game. I wouldn’t be totally surprised if he stays in school for two more seasons.
27) Amari Allen – SF – Alabama – Allen is in for a big second season at Alabama and should have the ball in his hands a bit more. He didn’t measure as well as expected at the draft combine, which might have dented his draft stock enough that he thought it best to return to school.
28) David Mirkovic – PF – Illinois – A unique player who isn’t a high flying athlete but is really skilled, tough and plays a physical game. This Illinois team is really stacked and should be in the running for the Natty.
29) Trey McKenney – SG – Michigan – A lights-out shooter who should have a bigger role this coming season for the Wolverines. He’s a thick guy who doesn’t do much above the rim but has a frame that can hold his own at the NBA level. It’ll be interesting to see if his play-making develops or if he stays strictly off the ball.
30) Alex Condon – C – Florida – A solid and not particularly sexy big man who just gets it done in the paint. The Gators are going to be tough to beat next year with him, Chinyelu and Haugh on the front-line.
Having half (15) of the first rounders be upperclassmen would be extremely rare and leave only 15 spots for freshmen and international prospects. There are also about a dozen more upperclassmen that I see as having first round potential. In short, the 2027 NBA Draft is going to be unique in its depth of talent and the experience level of of the prospects.
Here’s a look at my early 2027 NBA Mock Draft
and
The still strong but not as strong 2026 NBA Draft
Thanks for reading!