The 2025 NBA Draft withdrawal deadline has brought significant shifts in college basketball, with several teams emerging as clear winners or losers based on players’ decisions to stay in school or turn professional.
🏆 Major Winners
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan secured a major victory by landing Yaxel Lendeborg, the top-ranked player in the transfer portal, who chose to withdraw from the NBA Draft and play for the Wolverines. Lendeborg, a double-double machine from UAB, was projected as a late first-round pick but opted to return to college, reportedly influenced by a substantial NIL package. His addition, along with other key transfers like Elliot Cadeau, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara, positions Michigan as a national title contender.
Florida Gators
The defending national champions bolstered their roster with the return of frontcourt stalwarts Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, both of whom withdrew from the draft. Additionally, Thomas Haugh decided to stay in school, enhancing Florida’s depth. These decisions, coupled with the addition of transfer Boogie Fland, strengthen the Gators’ bid to defend their title.
Auburn Tigers
Auburn received a significant boost with the return of dynamic guard Tahaad Pettiford, who was initially projected as a second-round pick. Pettiford’s decision to return, influenced by a lucrative NIL deal, enhances Auburn’s backcourt and solidifies their status as a Final Four contender.
Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky’s prospects improved with the return of Otega Oweh, who averaged over 16 points per game last season. His decision to stay positions him as a potential SEC Player of the Year and strengthens the Wildcats’ lineup.
San Diego State Aztecs
The Aztecs benefited from the return of guard Miles Byrd, a standout perimeter defender who withdrew from the draft. Byrd’s return, along with key transfers and the comeback of guard Reese Waters from injury, positions SDSU as a strong contender in the upcoming season.
🚨 Major Losers
Duke Blue Devils
Duke faced a setback when transfer target Cedric Coward chose to remain in the draft after a strong combine performance. Although they mitigated the loss by signing Italian prospect Dame Sarr, missing out on Coward was a significant blow.
North Carolina Tar Heels
UNC’s hopes were dampened by the decision of Drake Powell, a key potential returner, to stay in the draft. His departure leaves a gap in the Tar Heels’ lineup and impacts their competitiveness.
St John’s Red Storm
St John’s suffered a loss with RJ Luis Jr., the Big East Player of the Year, opting to remain in the draft. His departure, despite being a sought-after transfer, leaves a void in the team’s scoring and leadership
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas missed out on bolstering their wing options as the top two uncommitted players they targeted chose to stay in the draft. This leaves the Jayhawks with limited options to strengthen their roster.
The 2025 NBA Draft withdrawal decisions have significantly reshaped the college basketball landscape, with NIL opportunities playing a pivotal role in influencing players to return to school. These developments set the stage for an exciting 2025–26 NCAA season, with several teams poised for deep tournament runs.
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