2025 NBA draft: Tracking the top early entrant decisions ahead of withdrawal deadline
The NBA announced on April 29 that 106 players filed as early entry candidates for the draft, which will be held June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The number of prospects who declared for the draft as early entrants was down from 195 last year. The decline directly stems from the rise of name, image and likeness (NIL), as players were afforded more earning potential by staying at the collegiate level.
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Players who applied for early entry have the right to withdraw their names from consideration by 5 p.m. EDT on June 15. Under NCAA rules, college players who entered the draft must withdraw by 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 28 to retain college basketball eligibility.
The top prospects were invited to the combine and participated in various on-court drills, scrimmages and medical testing last week in Chicago, Illinois. They also had the opportunity to interview with teams and gauge their draft stock to make the best decision about their respective futures.
Rookie Wire is tracking the top early entrant prospects and their decisions ahead of the early entry withdrawal deadline. The list will continue to be updated until May 28.
Carter Bryant, Arizona
Mar 21, 2025; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Carter Bryant (9) dribbles the ball against Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Year: Freshman
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Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: 12
Decision: NBA draft
Bryant, who is a projected first-round pick, told reporters at the combine that he is "completely in" on the draft. He appears to be a lock to remain in the draft after the deadline.
Miles Byrd, San Diego State
Mar 18, 2025; Dayton, OH, USA; San Diego State Aztecs guard Miles Byrd (21) dribble the ball defended by North Carolina Tar Heels guard Elliot Cadeau (3) in the first half at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Year: Sophomore
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: N/A
Decision: T.B.D.
Byrd had a solid showing at the combine, which could help his stock. He is currently viewed as a potential second-round pick and could elect to return to school if he doesn't receive an earlier guarantee.
Rueben Chinyelu, Florida
Mar 29, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Florida Gators center Rueben Chinyelu (9) warms up before a game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the West Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Year: Sophomore
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: N/A
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Decision: NCAA
Chinyelu, who was invited to the G League Elite Camp and worked out with Portland and Sacramento, announced Monday that he is forgoing the draft to return to the Gators.
Alex Condon, Florida
Apr 7, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Florida Gators forward Alex Condon (21) dunks the ball against the Houston Cougars during the second half in the national championship game of the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Year: Sophomore
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: 38
Decision: T.B.D.
Condon said the feedback he is receiving from teams is positive, but added that he knows he has a good situation with the Gators. He will likely make his decision closer to the deadline.
Cedric Coward, Washington State
Nov 21, 2024; Spokane, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars guard Cedric Coward (0) dunks the ball against the Eastern Washington Eagles in the second half at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Washington State Cougars won 96-81. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Year: Senior
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: 30
Decision: T.B.D.
Coward said at the combine that he is "100% focused on the draft" after participating in various testing. He will play at Duke next season if he withdraws from consideration.
Silas Demary Jr., Georgia
Jan 25, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard Silas Demary Jr. (5) dribbles the ball at Florida Gators guard Alijah Martin (15) during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Year: Sophomore
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Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: N/A
Decision: NCAA
Demary, who declared for the draft while maintaining his remaining college eligibility in the transfer portal, withdrew from consideration on Monday. He will transfer to UConn.
Isaiah Evans, Duke
Mar 13, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) reacts after hitting a three point shot in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Year: Freshman
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: N/A
Decision: NCAA
Evans, who was invited to the combine, withdrew from the draft on May 11. He returns to a team adding twin brothers Cameron Boozer (No. 3 prospect) and Cayden Boozer (No. 23).
Boogie Fland, Arkansas
Nov 18, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Boogie Fland (2) drives during the second half against the Pacific Tigers at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 91-72. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Year: Freshman
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: N/A
Decision: NCAA
Fland, who also entered the transfer portal, decided to withdraw from the draft and return to college next season. He was scheduled to visit Florida on Monday and Tuesday.
Karter Knox, Arkansas
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Karter Knox #11 of the Arkansas Razorbacks reacts during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the West Regional Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Chase Center on March 27, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by)
Year: Freshman
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Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: N/A
Decision: T.B.D.
Knox said at the combine that he is still weighing his decision and isn't sure which way he is leaning before the deadline. He seems to be a likely candidate to return to school.
Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB
Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Year: Senior
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: 27
Decision: T.B.D.
Lendeborg is a prospect many are watching after a strong showing at the combine. He will likely use his allotted time to attend team workouts and interviews until May 28 to make a decision. Lendeborg will transfer to Michigan if he withdraws from consideration.
Mackenzie Mgbako, Indiana
Mar 4, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Mackenzie Mgbako (21) dribbles the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the second half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Year: Sophomore
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Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: N/A
Decision: T.B.D.
Mgbako has had a strong predraft process after earning a call-up from the G League Elite Camp to the combine. He averaged 15.5 points and eight rebounds in two scrimmage games at the combine, which stood out among the performers.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Penn State
Jan 12, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser (14) drives the ball to the basket during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Year: Junior
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: 44
Decision: T.B.D.
Niederhauser is having a tremendous predraft process after earning an invitation to the combine from the G League Elite Camp. He is projected to be a second-rounder, though he is rapidly rising up draft boards and could elect to stay in the mix past the deadline.
Otega Oweh, Kentucky
Mar 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) dunks the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers in the second half during a Midwest Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Year: Junior
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Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: N/A
Decision: T.B.D.
Oweh said earlier this month he is "all-in" on the predraft process. He has worked out with Boston, Houston and Portland so far, and will likely have more scheduled before May 28.
Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers take on Oklahoma Sooners at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Oklahoma Sooners 98-70.
Year: Freshman
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: 36
Decision: T.B.D.
Pettiford helped his stock at the combine after a 23-point performance in his second scrimmage game. He said that he'll likely remain in the draft if he receives a first-round guarantee from a team.
Labaron Philon, Alabama
Mar 29, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon (0) handles the ball against Duke Blue Devils guard Tyrese Proctor (5) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Year: Freshman
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: 34
Decision: NBA draft
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Philon told reporters at the combine that he has already informed Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats that he is remaining in the draft and forgoing his remaining eligibility.
Drake Powell, North Carolina
Mar 13, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Drake Powell (9) goes to the basket against Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Parker Friedrichsen (7) during the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Year: Freshman
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: 35
Decision: NBA draft
Powell confirmed his decision to remain in the draft at the combine, closing the door on any potential conversation about returning to Chapel Hill for next season.
Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
Feb 8, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Georgetown Hoyas forward Thomas Sorber (35) takes a shot over Seton Hall Pirates guard Isaiah Coleman (21) during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Year: Freshman
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: 22
Decision: NBA draft
Sorber told college basketball reporter Andy Katz last week at the combine that he is all in on the draft and will not return to Georgetown. He is considered a mid-to-late first-round pick.
Milos Uzan, Houston
Apr 7, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Cougars guard Milos Uzan (7) dribbles the ball against the Florida Gators during the first half of the national championship game of the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Year: Senior
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Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: 43
Decision: T.B.D.
Uzan said his mindset during the predraft process is that he is "all-in" to show teams he believes in himself. However, with a second-round grade, it remains to be seen if Uzan will forgo his last year of eligibility or remain in the draft.
Jamir Watkins, Florida State
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 09: Jamir Watkins #1 of the Florida State Seminoles shoots a free throw against the Rice Owls during the first half of the Mattress Firm Battleground 2k24 at Toyota Center on November 09, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by)
Year: Senior
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: N/A
Decision: T.B.D.
Watkins had a few strong performances at the combine, recording 23 points in his second scrimmage on May 15. He is still said to be weighing his options for next season.
Darrion Williams, Texas Tech
Mar 27, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Darrion Williams (5) reacts during overtime against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a West Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Year: Junior
Rookie Wire Mock Draft Position: 49
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Decision: T.B.D.
Williams entered the transfer portal while also declaring for the draft. He is attempting to "stay in the moment" and focus on the predraft process, though he conceded at the combine that he'll likely take his time with his upcoming decision.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 2025 NBA draft: Tracking top early entrant decisions ahead of deadline
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