In the past, players projected as NBA first-round picks often left college early. However, with rising NIL deals, some are now reconsidering their draft plans and opting to stay in school longer.
ESPN’s latest 2026 NBA Draft projections suggest several potential 2025 first-rounders – like Jase Richardson (Michigan State), Thomas Sorber (Georgetown), and Ian Jackson and Drake Powell (North Carolina) – could return to school. These players could earn nearly as much from NIL as they would if selected in the second round.
Older players like Tomislav Ivisic (Illinois), Joseph Tugler (Houston), and J.T. Toppin and Darrion Williams (Texas Tech) may also stay in college, maximizing NIL earnings before turning pro. Many in this group stand to make more through NIL than they would on NBA two-way contracts.
Fringe First Round Prospects May Opt To Stay In College Over NBA Draft https://t.co/J32hqWWAsI
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 26, 2025
