Carter Bryant Tops NBA Draft Prospects Facing Big Decisions at Combine

The NBA draft combine in Chicago is not just a magnet for NBA enthusiasts but also a pivotal gathering for college basketball’s top figures. College coaches convene to observe their players in action, engage with agents, and assess the situation of several top-tier transfer prospects. Given the significant financial stakes involved for leading college players, the decision to stay draft-eligible has become more complex, with many players considering continued college play while they negotiate for a potential guaranteed contract on draft night.

Having spoken with many prominent prospects who are deciding whether to turn professional or stay in school, here are the most recent developments and insights into which players are leaning towards a professional career and which are likely to return to college for another year.

Top Prospects Eyeing NBA Opportunities

The initial hope that lucrative NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals would entice even potential first-round picks to further their development in the collegiate ranks has proven overly optimistic. Many elite players who considered returning to college are now firmly on the path to staying in the draft, particularly those who have seen their stock rise significantly during the pre-draft period.

For instance, Arizona freshman Carter Bryant, who emerged prominently towards the end of his debut season averaging less than seven points per game, declared for the draft just before the April deadline. He was reportedly offered a hefty deal to return to Arizona but has recently been generating considerable interest due to his size, versatility, and shooting skills. Speaking in Chicago, Bryant confirmed his complete commitment to the draft, now projected as a top-20 pick and possibly even a late lottery selection.

Similarly, Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber, after a foot injury cut short his freshman year, has ruled out returning to college. He confirmed his full commitment to entering the draft, with projections suggesting he could be picked in the late teens or early 20s. The promise of a guaranteed contract is a strong lure that is hard to ignore.

Cedric Coward, a Washington State product and Duke commit, has not fully closed the door on returning to college but noted that his current trajectory strongly favors remaining in the draft. His performance in Chicago has only bolstered expectations that he could be selected as high as the teens or early 20s.

“I’m completely focused on the draft,” Coward stated. “The decision I’ll make will be based on the information I have, and right now, that information is steering me towards staying in the draft.”

Houston’s point guard Milos Uzan, after a strong junior season that saw the Cougars reach the national championship game, is also “all-in” on the draft. Although he retains one more year of eligibility, Uzan expressed a strong preference for pursuing an NBA career.

“If there’s a path for me to the NBA, that’s what I’m aiming for,” Uzan said. “The potential earnings next year in college could be substantial, but that doesn’t sway my decision.”

Two top prospects still considering a return to college are Florida’s Alex Condon and Michigan commit Yaxel Lendeborg. Condon, a key player for Florida’s national championship team, is projected to be selected between the 20th and 40th picks but acknowledges a favorable scenario awaiting him in Gainesville. Multiple sources suggest that Condon is likely to return to Florida unless he receives a compelling offer from an NBA team, likely within the top 20 picks. Lendeborg, on the other hand, describes his decision as evenly split, with a guaranteed contract potentially tipping the scales.

Decisive Moments for Stay-or-Go Candidates

Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford, one of the highest-ranked prospects to participate in the five-on-five scrimmage, excelled with 23 points and eight assists, significantly boosting his chances to secure a first-round spot. This development could be detrimental for Auburn, as Pettiford mentioned that a first-round guarantee would likely seal his decision to stay in the draft.

“A guaranteed first-round spot would be the deciding factor for me,” Pettiford explained. “If that happens, I’ll make my decision.”

Another SEC standout, Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, also faces a pivotal decision as one of the top returning scorers in major college basketball. Despite a solid performance in the recent scrimmage, he is still viewed as a likely late second-round pick or possibly undrafted.

“My goal is to be drafted, not just picked up as a free agent,” Oweh stated. “I believe my performance last year could get me drafted, but nothing is certain until draft night.”

Nevertheless, Oweh is considering the possibility of returning to Kentucky to further enhance his draft prospects. “I’m committed to improving my game to such an extent that being a first-round pick won’t even be a question,” he added.

One of the week’s most notable risers is Penn State’s big man Yanic Konan Niederhauser. After starting his career as a part-time starter at Northern Illinois and moving to a starting role at Penn State, Niederhauser has rapidly ascended the ranks. His performance at the G League Elite Camp and subsequent combine scrimmage has sparked discussions about a potential guaranteed NBA contract. Despite having a lucrative NIL deal from Penn State on the table, the allure of a guaranteed spot in the NBA is compelling.

“My ultimate goal is to reach the NBA,” Niederhauser shared. “I’ll discuss the final decision with my team towards the end of the month, but my performance here definitely boosts my confidence in staying in the draft.”

Updates from the Transfer Portal

Players who are simultaneously exploring draft prospects and transfer options are particularly intriguing. Among them, RJ Luis Jr., PJ Haggerty, Jamir Watkins, and Darrion Williams have kept their plans relatively under wraps, declining to specify which schools are courting them. However, rumors suggest Haggerty might choose NC State if he withdraws from the draft, while Williams has been linked to high-profile programs like Kansas and Ohio State.

Luis, the reigning Big East Player of the Year from St. John’s, emphasized his focus on a professional career, stating he has not engaged with any college coaches. “I’m not even considering college at this moment,” he declared.

Watkins, who withdrew from last year’s draft at the eleventh hour, remains fully committed to the draft for now but noted that his stance could change by the May 28 deadline. He is specifically seeking a guaranteed contract rather than a two-way deal to affirm his decision to stay in the draft.

“Returning to college still holds substantial financial opportunities,” Watkins observed.

Finalizing Anticipated Moves

Alabama’s Labaron Philon, projected to be selected between the 20th and 40th picks, has firmly committed to the draft and has already informed the Alabama coaching staff of his decision. His impressive freshman season at Alabama, where he averaged 10.6 points and 3.8 assists per game, has solidified his draft prospects.

North Carolina’s Drake Powell has also closed the door on returning to college for another season, as confirmed to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello. Despite struggling in his only college season and opting out of five-on-five play this week, Powell impressed with a 43-inch max vertical jump during athletic testing.

Duke’s Tyrese Proctor, with another year of eligibility remaining, has also confirmed his intention to turn professional.

Arkansas wing Adou Thiero hasn’t completely ruled out a return to the Razorbacks, a scenario not previously considered viable since his draft declaration. He informed Isaac Trotter of CBS Sports that he is awaiting further feedback before fully committing to staying in the draft.

Global Prospects to Watch

High-value NIL agreements have attracted numerous top international prospects to the collegiate game, with at least two considering college if they opt out of the NBA draft. Greek wing Neoklis Avdalas mentioned he would “probably” choose college, naming Virginia Tech, Baylor, and Kansas State as potential destinations. Australian guard Ben Henshall was more reserved about his college plans, but sources indicate that Florida and Texas Tech are actively involved in his recruitment.

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