2025 NBA Draft Deadline Who's Cashing In, and Who's Heading Back to Class?

College Basketball's Biggest Winners and Losers After the 2025 NBA Draft Deadline

The deadline for college players to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to school has passed, and the landscape of college basketball has been significantly altered. The final hours were filled with suspense, as fans, coaches, and NBA teams waited with bated breath to learn the fates of several key players. While some decisions were anticipated, others came as complete surprises. Let's dive into the biggest winners and losers from this pivotal period.

Winners

Alabama's Labaron Philon Pulls Off Shocker

With just 29 minutes to spare, Alabama's NIL collective, "Yea Alabama," announced that Labaron Philon would be returning to school. This was a genuine surprise, as Philon had previously expressed his firm commitment to staying in the draft.

"I'm all-in on the draft," Philon stated earlier this month at the NBA Draft Combine. His return instantly adds firepower to Alabama's offense. As a projected first-round pick, his decision to run it back makes Alabama a major winner.

Michigan's Patience Rewarded

The decision by former UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg, ranked No. 1 in the CBS Sports transfer rankings, to withdraw from the draft and return to college basketball is a massive victory for Michigan. Lendeborg, who led the nation in double-doubles last season, was projected as a late-first-round pick.

Michigan secured Lendeborg with a reported NIL package in the neighborhood of $3 million. This addition fills a clear need for the Wolverines, and with another year to develop his draft stock, this could be a huge win for all parties involved.

NIL Agents Get Paid

While the players themselves are the primary beneficiaries of lucrative NIL deals, their agents are also cashing in. Several high-profile NIL deals have been reported this offseason, including:

• UCLA star Donovan Dent: Approximately $3 million
• Yaxel Lendeborg: Around $3 million
• All-American PJ Haggerty: Bypassed the NBA Draft and transferred to Kansas State for a significant payday

This influx of spending is fueled by the impending House vs. NCAA settlement, paving the way for revenue-sharing and a potential de facto salary cap.

Florida Primed for Another Title Run

The reigning national champion Florida Gators received a huge boost with the return of starting frontcourt players Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu. Their decision to withdraw from the draft solidifies Florida's frontcourt as one of the best in the country.

Combine their return with transfers Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee, and Florida is well-positioned to make another deep tournament run.

SEC Stars Run It Back

Kentucky's Otega Oweh and Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford are both returning to school and are legitimate contenders for SEC Player of the Year.

Both players turned down potential NBA opportunities to return to their respective teams, bolstering their chances for success in the upcoming season.

Losers

RJ Luis Jr. Makes Shocking Draft Decision

One of the biggest surprises was RJ Luis Jr.'s decision to remain in the draft. After a breakout season with St. John's, many believed that returning to school would have been the best option to further elevate his draft stock.

While pursuing his NBA dream is commendable, he's now projected as a mid-to-late second-round pick, facing an uphill battle to secure a roster spot.

Cedric Coward's Gain Leads to Duke's Pain

Duke likely regrets Cedric Coward's strong showing at the NBA Draft Combine, which solidified his standing as a potential first-round pick. Coward transferred to Duke but will now forgo playing for the Blue Devils to enter the NBA Draft.

While Duke has moved quickly to fill the void with other talented players, losing Coward undoubtedly stings.

Arkansas' Adou Thiero Moves On

While Adou Thiero entering the NBA Draft is a positive for coach John Calipari's streak of having players drafted in the first round, it's a loss for Arkansas.

Thiero followed Calipari from Kentucky to Fayetteville and had his best college season. He has the potential to be a late first-round pick.

NBA Teams Picking in the Second Round

The NBA Draft talent pool is shrinking as more players opt to return to school. This trend makes the already challenging task of finding diamonds in the rough in the second round even more difficult.

With players like Oweh, Karter Knox, and Milos Uzan choosing to return to college instead of risking a fall out of the first round, NBA teams will likely increase their focus on international prospects.

Conclusion

The 2025 NBA Draft withdrawal deadline has reshaped the landscape of college basketball. The decisions made by these players will have a ripple effect on their respective teams and the overall competitiveness of the sport. While some programs are celebrating unexpected returns and strengthened rosters, others are left to grapple with the departure of key players. One thing is certain: the upcoming college basketball season promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory.

Tags: NBA Draft, College Basketball, Cedric Coward, Otega Oweh, Kentucky, Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn, NIL deal, Draft Decisions, NBA

Source: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketballs-biggest-winners-and-losers-from-the-2025-nba-draft-deadline-to-stay-or-go/