NBA Draft Deadline Looms: College Stars Face Tough Choices Amidst Combine Buzz
May 15, 2025
As the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago approaches, college basketball coaches and players are faced with critical decisions regarding their futures, with the deadline for declaring for the draft set for May 28.
Several players have already committed to the draft, including Alabama's Labaron Philon and Duke's Tyrese Proctor, both of whom have stated that their decisions are final and they are fully focused on pursuing their NBA careers.
Duke transfer Cedric Coward is generating significant buzz as a potential first-round pick, which raises questions about his commitment to the Blue Devils as he weighs his options.
Among the top transfer portal players, Arkansas transfer Boogie Fland has pulled out of the draft and is attracting interest from multiple schools, particularly Florida.
Florida State's Jamir Watkins is also fielding interest from various college programs while considering his options after the draft process, emphasizing the need to position himself for a better opportunity.
St. John's RJ Luis, a potential Big East Player of the Year, is keeping his options open in the transfer portal, indicating that his desire to play in the NBA outweighs financial considerations.
Reflecting on last year's experience, Florida coach Todd Golden recalls how Walter Clayton Jr. returned after not receiving a first-round promise and subsequently helped lead the Gators to a national championship.
Texas Tech's Darrion Williams and Memphis's PJ Haggerty are also considering their futures, focusing on improving their draft stocks, with Haggerty being particularly sought after.
Meanwhile, players like Arkansas's Adou Thiero and Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford remain undecided, weighing their options based on feedback from NBA teams and potential draft positions.
Michigan recruit Yaxel Lendeborg finds himself torn between joining the Wolverines or pursuing the NBA, having impressed scouts at the Combine and expressing feeling 'stuck' in his decision-making process.
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