Why top basketball prospects returning to NCAA is best outcome for NBA
Rather than declare as early entry candidates for the 2026 NBA Draft, several of the top players in college basketball decided to go back to school.
Rather than declare as early entry candidates for the 2026 NBA Draft , several of the top players in college basketball decided to go back to school. With the significant rise of NIL packages offered to collegiate players to play another season with their college team or use the transfer portal, the basketball world has never seen such little financial incentive to turn pro. In many cases, top men's basketball players can actually collect more annual money at their university than they would have in the first year of their rookie scale contract.
Prospects have until 11:59 p. m. ET on April 24 to declare as early entry candidates for the 2026 NBA Draft .
Those players can remain as draft candidates 11:59 p. m. ET on May 27 if they want to maintain their collegiate eligibility.
It is not uncommon for players to "test the waters" and go through the draft process and attend the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, then decide to go back to school. AJ DYBANTSA DECLARES FOR NBA DRAFT: How does he project at the next level? Notable players who have already declared for the draft but may still return to their college team next season include Morez Johnson Jr.