Every year the college players audition NBA Draft Waters, contemplating the difficult stay-or-go decisions affecting rosters of college and professionals alike. But here’s the truth: most players who are seen as “on the fence” now They will likely remain in the draft.
In the past year I Examination of 10 players who faced the decision to stay or go. The numbers were broken down as follows: two returned to school and eight remained in the draft. Of the eight who remained in the draft, four went in the first round, three went in the second round and only one was not drafted.
Some of the decisions were rather easy. Sheldon Sharpe was an obvious Hulk. Christian Brown and Dallin Terry were, at least by the time of the draft, the locks to be first-rounders. But this early in the process—before the lottery and before the combine—it’s a guessing game about how to do it NBA teams The width of this category is thus a mystery whether or not it will remain in the draft.
This isn’t a space where I’m going to make predictions – I’ll save that for another time and place – but I’ve collected 10 players who, at least for now, fit the description mentioned earlier. Undoubtedly expect changes in the coming weeks as teams gather more information and players move up and down the boards. But given the current situation, I think the 10 prospects below have the most difficult decisions to make before the NCAA’s May 31 deadline to go back to school.
Let’s jump.
senior council rank: 26
prediction: Late first round / early second round
A former five-star recruit, Bailey has been shining a major star force—especially downfield—in his time with UCLA. But its potential at the moment isn’t fully reflected in the market, as my ranking of 26th – practically a late first-rounder – is higher than the consensus. Another season with the Bruins could allow him to showcase himself as a reliable consistent scorer. That would likely put him near the top of the 2024 draft.
senior council rank: N.R
prediction: second round
No college basketball player was more dominant than Eddie last season from start to finish. He could be a favorite to repeat as player of the year if he goes back to school, which no player has done since Ralph Samson won three in a row from 1980-1983. It’s hard to imagine Eddie’s stock rising much higher than that. He has some weaknesses in his game, but given his production profile and frame, it seems entirely reasonable that the team would talk themselves into taking a flyer on him in the second round.
senior council rank: 42
prediction: second round
As an Arkansas junior with individual potential and action, Walsh has emerged as a consistent player thanks to his ability to switch multiple positions on defense and stretch the floor as a thrower. It’s just taking weirdos to the next level. The 6-foot-7 winger plays with the movement, pace and physique you see from a power forward. If he can improve his shot, there is a role for him NBA – whenever he decides to take the leap.
senior council rank: N.R
prediction: second round / undrafted
After Kentucky missed out on the Hunter Dickinson, Michigan transfer, the door appeared to be open for a potential return to the school for Oscar Chipuis. National Player of the Year in the 2021-22 season. Tshiebwe is not a ground-breaker and this past season he revealed some weaknesses in his game defensively in terms of his mobility, or lack thereof. However, his drive as a second chance builder and second chance builder is among the best in the category.
Top 50 ranking: 21
prediction: second round
with Ryan Nemhard heading to GonzagaFor Alexander, there’s game time to be captured in Creighton’s guard-friendly attacking system. He’s improved dramatically as a playmaker in his two seasons with the Bluejays and can really showcase that growth alongside Baylor Scheierman next year. It can generate more interest during the rough draft process than people expect, which can make this decision more complicated. I’d comfortably rate him as a first-round talent — above consensus, I admit. But I think once NBA teams Seeing his two-way talents they will be fascinated.
senior council rank: 44
prediction: second round
Hawkins posted career highs in points (9.9), rebounds (6.3), assists (3.0) and minutes (32.5) per game last season for the Illini, showing his versatility as a thrower while efficiently pitching on the other side of the floor. also. Returning to Illinois to build on his breakout season would make sense, but he would be someone I bet teams are willing to gamble on in the second round with his size and skill.
senior council rank: 47
prediction: second round
In a class short of the great talents of the big men, Holmes stands out as a sleeper who could benefit from either remaining draft in a relatively weak center class. He is an athletic prodigy who can play over the edge and embrace his role as a defender. His improved 3-point shooting is also encouraging. I ranked him 47th on the Big Board and it looks like anywhere from mid to late second round is his range now.
senior council rank: N.R
prediction: second round / undrafted
Bates wasn’t eligible for the draft last year, but after moving from Memphis to hometown Eastern Michigan, he submitted NBA Serious look. He’s fallen into the eyes of professional scouts since his time as the #1 recruit in his class, but there’s still some interest here in teams that think long-term. His shot at 6-9 is a gift. Whether he can improve his game and harness his defensive potential is another question. Bates can be a big rookie and make his way to the first round or go undrafted. Neither outcome will shock me.
senior council rank: N.R
prediction: second round
Shortly after helping lead UConn to the national championship, Jackson said, “The only way I’m not going back is if the coach tells me to leave.” That was April 4th. Two weeks later, Jackson declared for the draft, but left the door open to return to college. He’s a really interesting prospect, as he’s been a strength to the Huskies as a scorer and tackler in the NCAA Tournament, and his versatility could make him a first-round consideration. The rough draft process will be fun for him.
senior council rank: N.R
prediction: second round
Clintman has a number of fans in the scouting community who view him as a potential first-round talent because of his 6-foot-10 frame and the talent he can add as a passer and shooter. I consider it a long-term project and therefore not in the top 30, but there is no denying that he has a developmental improvement if he can continue to develop his game. There could be some clarity over his decision in the coming weeks as teams decide who to target – and perhaps promise – such as late first-round players or early seconds. If he gets the wink of an eye and gets taken to the top 30, it would make sense for him to make the jump.