Top Players Return to College After NBA Draft Deadline

⁤ Updated May 31, 2025
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The deadline for withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft saw several college basketball stars make surprising‍ decisions,⁢ impacting team dynamics and⁢ future prospects. ‍While Washington State’s Cedric Coward remained committed to the NBA Draft, other players kept fans and teams guessing until the last minute.

Kentucky guard⁢ Otega Oweh, projected as a potential second-round pick, opted to return to school. He is now⁤ considered a strong contender for SEC Player of ⁢the Year. Similarly, Auburn’s Tahaad pettiford turned down a ⁤potential late first-round selection, choosing rather to accept a Name, Image, ⁣and likeness (NIL) deal exceeding $2⁣ million with the Tigers.

Michigan emerged as a meaningful beneficiary. Yaxel Lendeborg, formerly of UAB⁤ and ranked as the No. 1 transfer player by CBS Sports, withdrew from ⁣the NBA Draft. Lendeborg, who ‍led the nation in double-doubles, is now an ⁤all-American⁣ candidate for the Wolverines. His strong performance ⁣at the NBA Draft Combine had projected him as a late first-round pick.

Alabama’s Last-Minute Surprise

In a stunning ⁤move, Alabama’s Labaron Philon announced his return to school with just 29 minutes remaining before the deadline. This decision was unexpected, as Philon had previously expressed firm intentions to stay in the NBA Draft. “I’m all-in on the draft,” Philon told reporters‍ at the NBA Draft Combine‍ earlier in May.

Philon’s return significantly boosts Alabama’s‍ offense. As one of the top freshmen in college basketball last⁣ season and a projected first-round pick,his decision to return is a major⁤ win for the ⁤Crimson Tide.

Michigan’s patience Pays Off

Lendeborg’s choice to play another college season was among the biggest surprises. Despite improving his NBA ⁤Draft stock, the lack of guarantees influenced his decision. Fringe first-round prospects often rely on promises from NBA ⁤teams, making their final call based on these assurances.

Sources indicate Lendeborg received an NIL⁤ package ⁢around $3 million to return to Michigan. with another year to⁣ refine his skills, Lendeborg and the Wolverines could see significant benefits.

Why Yaxel Lendeborg withdrawing from⁢ the 2025 NBA Draft to play for Dusty May at Michigan is right decision

‍ ‍ Cameron Salerno

RJ Luis⁣ Jr.’s Draft Decision

RJ Luis Jr.’s decision to remain in the NBA Draft was unexpected. Despite a breakout season with St. John’s, many believed ‍returning to⁤ school woudl have been more beneficial. Luis, the Big East Player of the Year, could have improved his NBA Draft stock further.

While⁣ pursuing an⁤ NBA dream is understandable, Luis faces an uphill battle as a likely mid-to-late second-round pick. Such selections often lead ‍to significant time in the G League.

NIL Agents Benefit

While players secure significant NIL deals, their agents also reap rewards. UCLA’s Donovan Dent and Michigan’s Lendeborg both received around $3 million. PJ Haggerty bypassed the NBA Draft and transferred to Kansas ⁢State for a lucrative payday.

this surge in spending follows the House vs. NCAA⁢ settlement, potentially‍ creating a revenue-sharing model ⁢and de facto salary cap. For now, everyone involved is benefiting financially.

What’s next

As college basketball programs adjust their rosters, the impact of these decisions will be felt ⁤throughout the upcoming season. The⁣ interplay between NBA Draft aspirations and NIL opportunities ⁣continues to reshape⁣ the landscape of ⁣college athletics.