NBA Draft Shockers: Top 15 Stars to Stay in College or Go Pro?

The upcoming NBA draft combine is crucial for both college coaches and the NBA, showcasing many potential top college players for next season as they perform in front of all 30 NBA teams. With the rise of NIL agreements and profit sharing, more elite players are staying in college. However, numerous top-tier athletes are still undecided whether to return to college or join the professional ranks, potentially enhancing the strong 2025 draft class.

Here are 15 players to watch at the upcoming combine in Chicago, each facing important decisions about their future.

Carter Bryant, Arizona Wildcats

Sports Illustrated Big Board Rank: 18

Bryant’s average of 6.5 points per game belies his potential as a versatile wing with notable shooting skills. He achieved a 39% three-point shooting rate on nearly three attempts per game during Big 12 play and played a significant role in Arizona’s advance to the Sweet 16 after a slow start. Bryant is a prime candidate for a late-teen or early-20s draft pick, a tempting offer that could sway him to turn professional, though remaining at Arizona could also be beneficial for his development.

Thomas Sorber, Georgetown Hoyas

SI Big Board Rank: 19

Sorber’s impressive freshman year was cut short by a foot injury, which will likely prevent him from participating in many pre-draft activities. His potential earnings as one of the top-paid college players could persuade him to aim for a lottery pick with another strong year at Georgetown. However, if NBA teams agree with his top-20 ranking, the temptation to go pro might be too great.

Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB Blazers/Michigan Wolverines

SI Big Board Rank: 27

After an exceptional season at UAB, Lendeborg is transferring to Michigan with one more year of eligibility left. His new NIL deal at Michigan gives him some flexibility during the draft process. A strong performance at the combine could secure him a draft spot, although Michigan is hopeful he will join their team. However, a standout combine could complicate his decision.

Alex Condon, Florida Gators

SI Big Board Rank: 33

Condon’s journey from an unknown Australian recruit to a potential first-round pick highlights his dedication and Florida’s scouting prowess. Florida hopes to have him back for his junior year to contend for consecutive titles. However, a promising draft projection could keep him in the draft pool.

Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn Tigers

SI Big Board Rank: 34

Pettiford’s decision is critical as he was a key player off the bench for Auburn, providing energy to an experienced team that reached the Final Four. Coach Bruce Pearl is ready to build the team around him for his sophomore year, but impressive combine results could sway his decision to turn pro.

Labaron Philon, Alabama Crimson Tide

SI Big Board Rank: 35

Philon is committed to entering the professional arena after a promising freshman year at Alabama, characterized by high-speed play and skill in pick-and-roll situations. While still developing his three-point shot, his potential as a top college guard may be too good to pass up for a guaranteed NBA contract.

Cedric Coward, Washington State Cougars/Duke Blue Devils

SI Big Board Rank: 36

Coward’s unique journey from Division III to potentially playing for Duke showcases his versatility and skills. Despite playing only six games due to injury, a strong combine performance could keep him in the draft, though transitioning to Duke remains a strong possibility.

Drake Powell, North Carolina Tar Heels

SI Big Board Rank: 37

Despite a disappointing freshman season, Powell is leaning towards staying in the draft process. NBA teams that are patient might see him as a valuable developmental prospect, although returning to school carries risks if he doesn’t show significant progress.

Milos Uzan, Houston Cougars

SI Big Board Rank: 39

Uzan has caught the attention of NBA scouts over several seasons and significantly improved his stock with a strong performance at Houston, especially with a 43% success rate from three-point range. While returning to college might be unexpected, Houston would certainly welcome him back.

Darrion Williams, Texas Tech Red Raiders/Transfer Portal

SI Big Board Rank: 42

Williams is an intriguing prospect due to his size and versatility. He might not have the traditional speed or athleticism of other players, but his strong understanding of the game could attract early second-round interest. Meanwhile, he’s keeping his options open in the transfer portal depending on draft feedback.

Boogie Fland, Arkansas Razorbacks/Transfer Portal

SI Big Board Rank: 44

Fland entered the season as a likely one-and-done candidate, but an injury and efficiency issues have put his stock in question. He has entered the transfer portal, and while teams like defending champion Florida are interested, he might still prefer to go pro if his draft stock is favorable.

RJ Luis Jr., St. John’s Red Storm/Transfer Portal

SI Big Board Rank: 47

Luis, the Big East Player of the Year, is focusing on the NBA draft, hoping to secure a guaranteed contract with his improved perimeter skills. If that doesn’t materialize, he might consider lucrative offers in the transfer market, though such opportunities are becoming scarce.

Jamir Watkins, Florida State/Transfer Portal

SI Big Board Rank: 50

Watkins faced a tough decision last year and ultimately chose to return to Florida State. With a new coach and another year older, a return seems less likely this time, even though he would be a highly sought-after player in the transfer portal.

Otega Oweh, Kentucky Wildcats 

SI Big Board Rank: NR

After transferring from Oklahoma, Oweh thrived in Kentucky’s system, earning All-SEC honors with an average of over 16 points per game. While some NBA teams might find his athletic profile appealing, he needs to show more consistency in his shooting to secure a guaranteed NBA contract. An attractive NIL offer could sway him to remain at Kentucky for another season.

Isaiah Evans, Duke Blue Devils

SI Big Board Rank: NR

Evans showed flashes of brilliance in his freshman year at Duke, particularly with his 42% three-point shooting. However, his inconsistent playtime and limited display beyond shooting mean he could benefit greatly from another season at Duke to enhance his draft prospects.