NBA Dreams Derailed? College Basketball's Draft Deadline Winners & Losers

College Basketball's Landscape Shifts: Winners and Losers After the NBA Draft Withdrawal Deadline

The allure of the NBA has always been strong for college basketball stars, but with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money and the ease of transferring, the landscape is changing. Players now have the opportunity to earn significant income in college, making the jump to the pros a more calculated decision. The recent NBA Draft withdrawal deadline has solidified the outlook for the 2025 draft class, and the results are intriguing. This year will see the fewest early entry candidates in a decade, impacting the depth of the draft considerably.

Let's dive into the biggest winners and losers from this pivotal deadline:

Winners:

• Michigan: The Wolverines struck gold with the return of Yaxel Lendeborg. After an impressive showing at the draft combine, where he was reportedly seeking a first-round guarantee, Lendeborg opted to return to college. He now has the potential to be the best player in college basketball.
  

  An athletic 6’9” big man with a 7’4” wingspan, Lendeborg boasts impressive scoring and playmaking abilities, complemented by two AAC Defensive Player of the Year awards. With key additions like former UNC point guard Elliot Cadeau, former Illinois forward/center Morez Johnson, and former UCLA center Aday Mara, alongside returning talent, Michigan looks poised to be a national title contender.



• Auburn: The Tigers are celebrating the return of Tahaad Pettiford. Projected as a potential first-round pick after a standout performance at the combine, Pettiford's decision to return for his sophomore year is a massive boost for Auburn.
  

  Even though the Tigers are losing key players from last season, Pettiford's return positions him as the best scoring guard in the country and keeps Auburn competitive in the SEC. His dynamic scoring ability and impressive athleticism make him a force to be reckoned with.



• Houston: Despite a heartbreaking loss in the 2025 national championship game, the Houston Cougars might be even stronger next season thanks to Milos Uzan.
  

  Uzan's decision to withdraw from the draft ensures his return for his senior year, solidifying his role as one of the nation's top point guards. Paired with veteran players and incoming McDonald's All-Americans, Houston remains a national title front-runner.



• Florida: Could we see a Florida vs. Houston rematch in the 2026 national championship game? The Gators are certainly in a strong position after Alex Condon decided to return.
  

  Condon’s return, combined with the addition of former Arkansas guard Boogie Fland via the transfer portal, significantly strengthens Florida’s roster. Fland, a former lottery pick prospect, has the potential for a breakout sophomore season, making the Gators a team to watch.

Losers:

• Duke: The Blue Devils suffered a blow when Cedric Coward decided to stay in the NBA Draft after impressing scouts at the combine.
  

  Duke had hoped to add Coward as a 3-and-D wing to complement their roster, but his impressive measurements and shooting stroke caught the eyes of NBA teams. While Duke rebounded by signing Italian wing Dame Sarr, Coward's absence leaves a void in their lineup. However, with Cameron Boozer leading a talented roster, Duke remains a Final Four contender.



• 2025 NBA Draft's Depth: With key players like Lendeborg, Pettiford, and Labaron Philon opting to return to college, the depth of the 2025 NBA Draft has undoubtedly taken a hit.
  

  While Cooper Flagg remains a top prospect, the overall talent pool after the first 20-25 picks looks less promising. The NBA thrives on finding diamonds in the rough in the later rounds, and the reduced depth may limit those opportunities in 2025.

In conclusion, the shifting dynamics of college basketball, driven by NIL money and transfer opportunities, are reshaping the NBA Draft landscape. While some programs are celebrating the return of key players, the overall depth of the 2025 draft has been impacted. It's a new era for college basketball and the NBA, requiring constant adaptation and strategic decision-making.

Tags: NBA Draft 2025, College basketball, NIL money, NBA career, G-League, Draft class, Early entry, Michigan, Yaxel Lendebor, Transfer portal

Source: https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2025/5/29/24438885/college-basketball-nba-draft-withdrawal-deadline-winners-and-losers