NBA hopefuls declaring early for draft dwindles as some NCAA stars choose NIL
The number of NBA hopefuls declaring early for the draft has dwindled to 71 players, the smallest number in over two decades, as some NCAA stars choose to stay in school and capitalize on Name Image and Likeness (NIL) deals. Top prospects like Thomas Haugh, Braylon Mullins, and Patrick Ngongba II have opted to return to college, citing potentially higher earnings through NIL deals.
The number of players declaring for the NBA draft has decreased significantly, with 71 early entry candidates announced, the lowest in over 20 years. This trend is attributed to the Name Image and Likeness (NIL) era, which began in July 2021, allowing college athletes to earn money. Top prospects like Thomas Haugh, a rising senior forward at Florida, have chosen to stay in school, with Haugh expected to earn around what he would have made in his first two NBA seasons combined if drafted in the top 20. Other potential first-round picks, including Braylon Mullins and Patrick Ngongba II, have also decided to stay in school. The NBA draft lottery will be held on May 10, and players have until May 27 to withdraw their names to retain college eligibility. The draft is scheduled for June 23-24.
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