NBA draft 2025: 50 early entry players withdrew ahead of deadline
The NBA announced on Friday that 50 early entry players withdrew their names from the draft, which will be held on June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The league said that 106 players filed as early entry candidates this year. The number of early entry players was down from 195 last year, due to the rise of name, image, and likeness (NIL), as players were afforded more earning potential by staying in college.
College players had until Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. EDT to withdraw and maintain their remaining eligibility. While many announced their intentions well before the deadline, several players used their allotted time by waiting until Wednesday evening to make a decision.
Several of the prospects who returned to school had the opportunity to compete in the draft combine earlier this month and attend team workouts and interviews. There, they received feedback about their draft stock to help make their decision ahead of the withdrawal deadline.
Players such as Florida sophomore Alex Condon, Michigan senior Yaxel Lendeborg, Auburn freshman Tahaad Pettiford, Alabama freshman Labaron Philon and Houston junior Milos Uzan were among the top players who withdrew from the draft.
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The remaining field of draft-eligible players, typically those playing for international clubs, has the right to withdraw their names from consideration by 5 p.m. EDT on June 15.
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