2026 NBA draft: Tracking top early entrant decisions ahead of deadline

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The NBA on April 27 announced that 71 players filed as early entry candidates for the draft, which will be held June 23-24 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The number of early entrant prospects was down from 106 last year and 195 the year prior. The steep decline stems directly from the rise of name, image and likeness (NIL), with some players commanding multimillion-dollar offers to play at powerhouse programs in Division I.

Some high-profile prospects, such as Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh and Braylon Mullins, bypassed the draft immediately following the 2025-26 college basketball season. However, dozens of others opted to test the process while leaving the door open to return to school.

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Last week, 70-plus players competed in various on-court drills, scrimmages and medical testing at the draft combine in Chicago, Illinois. They will also have the opportunity to participate in team workouts and interviews to gauge their draft stock.

Players who applied for early entry have the right to withdraw their names from consideration by 5 p.m. EDT on June 13. Under NCAA rules, college players who entered the draft must withdraw by 11:59 p.m. on May 27 to retain their remaining eligibility.

Rookie Wire is tracking the top early entrant prospects and their decisions ahead of the early entry withdrawal deadline. The list will be updated regularly until May 27.

Matt Able, NC State​

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Year: Freshman

Projected Draft Range: 30-45

Decision: T.B.D.

Amari Allen, Alabama​

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Year: Freshman

Projected Draft Range: 22-32

Decision: T.B.D.

Christian Anderson Jr., Texas Tech​

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Year: Sophomore

Projected Draft Range: 15-25

Decision: T.B.D.

Alijah Arenas, USC​

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Year: Freshman

Projected Draft Range: 45-60

Decision: NCAA

Arenas declared for the draft and was among the initial prospects invited to the combine last week. After playing in only 18 games last year, the son of former three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas eventually opted to withdraw from the competition to return to the Trojans next season. Healthy now with a full offseason ahead, Arenas will have the chance to bounce back next year and put himself back on the NBA radar.

Flory Bidunga, Kansas​

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Year: Freshman

Projected Draft Range: 40-60

Decision: T.B.D.

John Blackwell, Wisconsin​

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Year: Junior

Projected Draft Range: N/A

Decision: T.B.D.

Elliot Cadeau​

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Year: Junior

Projected Draft Range: N/A

Decision: NCAA

Cadeau withdrew from the draft on May 16 and will return to play for the Wolverines next season. He opted to declare for the draft while maintaining his college eligibility to test the process and gain feedback from teams in preparation for next year, when he moves on to the next level.

Rueben Chinyelu, Florida​

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Year: Junior

Projected Draft Range: 30-45

Decision: T.B.D.

Jacob Cofie, USC​

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Year: Sophomore

Projected Draft Range: N/A

Decision: NCAA

After a strong showing at the combine, Cofie opted to withdraw from the draft and return to USC for his junior year. By returning to school, Cofie will have the opportunity to improve his draft stock next year, based on feedback received from teams.

Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State​

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Year: Sophomore

Projected Draft Range: 45-60

Decision: T.B.D.

Allen Graves, Santa Clara​

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Year: Freshman

Projected Draft Range: 20-30

Decision: T.B.D.

Juke Harris, Wake Forest​

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Year: Sophomore

Projected Draft Range: 30-45

Decision: NCAA

Harris announced on May 4 that he would withdraw from the draft after opting to transfer to play next season at Tennessee for coach Rick Barnes. He was viewed as a possible first-round pick, and the ACC Most Improved Player will now have the chance to improve his draft stock next season in the SEC.

Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan​

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Year: Sophomore

Projected Draft Range: 16-24

Decision: NBA draft

Johnson announced on May 19 that he will remain in the draft and forgo his remaining two years of eligibility. He tested well at the combine and appears to have solidified himself as a mid-first-round pick, following his showing in Chicago.

Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State​

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Year: Junior

Projected Draft Range: 30-45

Decision: T.B.D.

Malachi Moreno, Kentucky​

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Year: Freshman

Projected Draft Range: 25-50

Decision: T.B.D.

Koa Peat, Arizona​

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Year: Freshman

Projected Draft Range: 25-30

Decision: T.B.D.

Billy Richmond III, Arkansas​

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Year: Sophomore

Projected Draft Range: 45-60

Decision: T.B.D.

Andrej Stojaković, Illinois​

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Year: Junior

Projected Draft Range: 50-60

Decision: T.B.D.

Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt​

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Year: Sophomore

Projected Draft Range: 30-45

Decision: T.B.D.

Meleek Thomas, Arkansas​

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Year: Freshman

Projected Draft Range: 25-30

Decision: T.B.D.

Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor​

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Year: Freshman

Projected Draft Range: 30-40

Decision: T.B.D.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 2026 NBA draft: Tracking top early entrant decisions ahead of deadline

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