Stay or Go Decisions Rock College Basketball
NBA Draft Combine Buzz Stay or Go Decisions Rock College Basketball
"I had those conversations earlier, I decided what I'm doing at the very last moment. At the moment right now, it's pretty much locked on the NBA." Demin's declaration signals his readiness for the professional ranks.
Thomas Sorber (Georgetown):
"I'm 100% into the draft." Sorber's focus is solely on making the leap to the NBA.
Carter Bryant (Arizona):
"I'm completely in." Bryant's statement leaves no room for doubt about his intentions.
Drake Powell (North Carolina):
"All-in on the draft. Door's closed." Powell's decision solidifies his commitment to pursuing a professional career.
Tyrese Proctor (Duke):
"I've always said I'm 100% in or 100% out. I'm happy with my decision. I loved being at Duke. I wish I could, but I am 100% in. Me and Coach Scheyer had an open relationship. Told him how I feel, what I feel. They were really good with all that." Proctor expressed his gratitude for his time at Duke but is firmly set on his NBA path.
Adou Thiero (Arkansas):
"The door is not completely shut, but we should know more this week.
Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn):
"The goal is to go first round. If I can make that happen, I will (stay in the draft). Everything we talked about (with Auburn) is good. We're just waiting for the decision time. If I go back, I'll be there." Pettiford's decision appears contingent on his draft projection, with a return to Auburn a viable option.
Karter Knox (Arkansas):
"I ain't going to lie, I don't even know.
Milos Uzan (Houston):
"I wanna play in the league. I feel like I can play in that league. I want to get there. I want to play there. It's not completely closed but I think it's good I have Houston supporting me through it all. It's not money wise for me. I entered the portal to get better. I didn't enter to get more money. If Coach Sampson calls one of these GMs and says they have a contract for me, I gotta be selfish and take that. If not, then for sure." Uzan's priority is reaching the NBA, suggesting a guaranteed contract would be the deciding factor, with a return to Houston possible otherwise.
"My mindset is I'm here now and I want to be in the NBA for now. I gotta get that guarantee. I know I'm in that 20-35 range now. I have a good situation waiting for me at Florida. Teammates that I just won a national championship with. It would have to be a good situation for me to stay but the feedback I'm getting from teams is positive. I'm ready to stay if I need to." Condon acknowledged the strong situation he has at Florida but is focused on securing a guaranteed NBA spot.
Otega Oweh (Kentucky):
"It went really well. I got good feedback. I'm just using this whole process to get as much feedback as I can. Whatever they tell me, that's when I'll make my decision. Everyone saying that I'm a plug-and-play guy. There's no doubt I can play at the next level. It's the little things that they're trying to see. They've given me a lot of jewels that I can implement my game with. Not looking at guaranteed money. I want to get to the NBA. I want to get drafted. I don't want to get picked up. I'm going through the process like I'm all in. I think I had a solid year and I could get drafted but you never know." Oweh emphasized the importance of feedback in his decision-making process, prioritizing being drafted over guaranteed money.
Labaron Philon (Alabama):
The NBA Draft Combine in Chicago wasn't just a showcase of future professional talent; it served as a crucial crossroads for numerous college basketball stars and coveted transfer portal prospects. While NBA scouts meticulously evaluated their potential, college coaches lurked in the background, their minds racing with the all-important question: Are they staying or going?
The May 28th deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA draft and maintain their college eligibility loomed large, casting a shadow of uncertainty over team rosters nationwide. For coaches like Florida's Todd Golden, the combine offered a tangible reminder of the potential rewards of a player returning to school. Guard Walter Clayton Jr.'s decision to withdraw last year after not securing a first-round guarantee proved pivotal, as he spearheaded the Gators' national championship run. Golden and his staff, proudly sporting championship gear, were a testament to the impact of such decisions.
Here's a breakdown of what notable players had to say about their pivotal "stay or go" NBA Draft decisions:
Firmly Heading to the NBA:
Several players made it unequivocally clear that their college careers were behind them.
Teetering on the Edge:
A significant number of players arrived at the combine still weighing their options, their decisions hinging on feedback from NBA teams and potential draft positioning.
The Transfer Portal Intrigue:
The draft decisions of several high-profile transfer portal entrants added another layer of complexity to the combine. Seven of the top 13 rated players in the 2025 transfer portal were in attendance, highlighting the intertwined nature of draft considerations and college movement.
Michigan and new coach Dusty May are anxiously awaiting the decision of Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 1-rated player in the transfer portal (out of UAB).
Duke's transfer portal class, initially featuring two players, is now in jeopardy. Cedric Coward (Washington State transfer) has impressed NBA decision-makers with his remarkable wingspan and interviews, potentially elevating him into first-round consideration. This development could lead to Coward bypassing his commitment to Duke before even stepping on campus. "It kind of sucks because people think I'm using Duke for the noise or whatever it may be," Coward explained. "I picked them and I love Coach Scheyer and the staff for a reason. I believe they can help me if I were to go there. You see what they did this year. They have the whole starting lineup in the draft combine. I know they can help me if I go there, too." Should Coward opt for the NBA, Duke would be left with only sharpshooter Isaiah Evans returning for his sophomore season from their highly touted freshman class.
The Next Big Portal Prize?
Darrion Williams (Texas Tech transfer) maintained his focus on the NBA Draft, but external expectations point towards a return to college.
PJ Haggerty (Memphis transfer), the highest-rated uncommitted player in the 2025 portal, showcased his scoring prowess at the combine. Despite his performance, a return to college seems likely. Haggerty expressed a desire to "play more point guard" if he returns and noted he hasn't yet spoken to any college teams. NC State is considered a strong contender in his recruitment.
Quiet on Luis's Front:
RJ Luis (St. John's), the Big East Player of the Year, entered the transfer portal with a "Do Not Contact" tag, keeping his intentions largely private. "It was about keeping my options open; just a backup plan," Luis explained. "I didn't want to hinder St. John's from recruiting other players because this process is really long. I want to play in the NBA. I haven't gone on any visits. I haven't spoken to any coaches. Just fully locked in." Despite a somewhat underwhelming scrimmage performance, Luis remains confident in his NBA prospects, emphasizing that his decision is about finding the right timing and fit, not just immediate financial gain.
Blue Bloods Eye Watkins' Return:
Jamir Watkins (Florida State transfer), a familiar face at the NBA Draft Combine, joked about the widespread interest from college programs. The soon-to-be 24-year-old would be one of the oldest players in college basketball if he doesn't stay in the draft. Wing-needy programs like North Carolina, Oregon, Kansas, and Duke are likely among those interested.
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