It’s that time of year for college basketball stars to decide if they’ll go chase the fame and fortunes of the NBA or stay in school and chase the NIL fortune. For many of the freshmen listed below the decision will be easy. The players in the first category below are clearly heading to the draft, while the players in the last category are surely staying in school. But between those groups there are about a dozen tough decision to be made.

We’ll find out in the coming weeks how those decisions go. Players have until April 26th to declare for the draft and June 15 to withdraw and be eligible to return to school.

Enter The Draft, Obviously

There are a handful of no-brainer decisions for players who are locks to go in the first round. Sure, these guys could stay in school and earn massive NIL paydays but the allure of the NBA, the fulfillment of a dream and the big money of professional sports make it all but guaranteed that these players will enter and stay in the draft:

– The presumptive no.1 overall pick is certain to declare for the draft. The days of superstars staying for multiple years in school are long gone.

– Harper didn’t get to win a lot during his one college season but he showed why he’s one of the elite players in this class and the likely no.2 overall pick in June. He’s got a polished game and a NBA ready frame, so the adjustment to NBA ball should be easy for him.

– One of the most fascinating talents in this draft, Bailey is oozing with upside but is wildly inconsistent. His size and shot-making will see him drafted in the top 5, likely at no.3. If things go right and everything comes together for him he’s going to be a major problem for NBA defenses.

– VJ finished the year strong, showing an improved jumper and looking more comfortable with the ball in his hands. He’s an elite athlete who flourishes in transition and is a standout defender as well. He doesn’t have prototypical 2-guard size and isn’t a 1 but his rare athleticism and work ethic will help him go far in his career.

– A sniper and a walking bucket, Tre will bring a lot of offensive firepower to whichever team drafts him. A top 10 lock, Tre could go as high as no.3.

– Kon has been Duke’s best player outside of Flagg. He’s not the flashiest wing, isn’t a high riser or big time dunker but he’s incredibly heady, smart and skilled and is one of the best outside shooters in the class. His strong frame will help him adjust to the physicality of the NBA game and his shooting ability and high BBIQ should get him on the floor early in his career.

– Fears had a monster season for the Sooners going from off draft boards to likely being a top 10 pick in June. He’s a dynamic driver with a great first step but some work to do on his jumper. I can’t wait to see him in a NBA uniform.

– A likely top 10 pick…maybe falling to the late lottery, Queen is a uniquely skilled big man who had a great season for the Terps.

– Maluach just keeps getting better and is still just scratching the surface of his potential. He has an impact on the game that doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet and his ability to guard in space is outrageous for a 7-2 dude. It’s hard to see him falling out of the top 10.

– The numbers won’t jump out at you but Bryant quietly had a stellar freshman season and looks to be a major sleeper in this class. He’s often mocked in the mid first round but the elite flashes he shoes suggests that he could end up getting drafted much higher than that. Don’t be surprised if he’s one of the major risers during the draft process and ends up going top 10.

– Jase has been one of the biggest upside surprises of the college basketball season, coming in as a 4-star recruit but quickly establishing himself as one of the premier guards in the country. He’s a big undersized for a shooting guard and isn’t a pure point but his all around game will translate well.

– Jaku faded a little bit towards the end of the season and might not be a first half of the lottery guy anymore. But he’s still going to get drafted high and is definitely heading to the draft.

– Liam had an up and down year at UConn and it would be really cool to see him stay another year but that feels like a pipe dream. He’s gone.

– Newell isn’t the biggest name and tends to fly under the radar but there’s a chance that NBA teams value him more than we might expect.

– Philon is impressive on both ends of the court and was instrumental in Alabama’s tournament run. He’s got a game that fits the NBA and he projects a mid first to early second round pick.

Test The Waters And See (Most Likely Going Pro)

Demin will probably stay in this draft but it would be really cool to see him return to school and play alongside incoming superstar AJ Dybantsa.

– I’m incredibly high on Riley and think he should enter the draft this year but it still makes sense for him to keep his options open, test the waters and get feedback from the NBA before deciding. I see him as a clear first round talent with late lottery potential.

– It’s not everyday you find a 7-1 center with good strength who can drain 3 pointers and pass the rock. Plus Ivisic is solid on the glass and on the defensive end. He could have sneaky first round value.

– I hope Evans returns but he might have done enough over the second half of the season to tempt him to enter the draft. He’s got special shot-making ability and his arrow is pointing up.

– It was great to see Fland back in the line-up for Arkansas’ two tournament games, even though he was rusty and didn’t shoot the ball well. Fland had some good moments during his freshman season but didn’t fully live up to his ranking and has slid down draft boards. He’s probably a second round pick who will have to work hard to earn minutes at the NBA level. It’ll be a tough choice but my guess is he’s leaning towards staying in the draft this year.

Test The Waters But Probably Return

– Knox had a strong close to the season and his arrow is point up. I think it makes sense for him to test the waters and get feedback but ultimately it’s probably in his best interest to return for his sophomore year.

– Bidunga is in the transfer portal and will make a lot of money in college next season. He’s got first round potential in the 2026 draft.

– A foot injury kept Freeman out for most of the season and his draft stock has taken a hit. He would still be drafted if he declares but a strong second season in school would help him regain his potential first round status.

– Sanon will be transferring to St. John’s. He could still go through the process but it looks like he’ll be back in school next year.

– The most electric player in college basketball will be a superstar at Auburn if he stays a few years but the NBA will tempting. He’s undersized but ultra-talented and should be one of the rare 6-ft and under players to impact the NBA game.

– Jackson had a disappointing season for the Tar Heels but should be in for a bigger role next year. He might test the waters and get feedback but he should return.

– Same can be said for Powell. NBA teams will be enamoured with his athleticism but he’s got work to do before being ready for the pro game.

Stay And Get That NIL Bag

The rest of the freshman should probably stay in school and focus on improving their games with hard work and practice and improving their bank accounts with some sweet, sweet NIL money. Some notable freshman who should return to school include:

– C – Illinois Michigan – Johnson will get a bag from Michigan after transferring from Illinois.

– SF – BYU – Catchings is in the portal and will probably be gone from BYU.

– Wright is one of the most exciting players in college basketball and should be a big time start next season for Baylor. He’s undersize for the pro game and will be best served staying in school for a few years, honing his craft and getting paid handsomely.

– Ngongba is really starting to find his footing in college ball and looks set to have a monster season next year for the Blue Devils.

– Richmond came on strong over the second half of the season and looks like a potential breakout player next year.

– Gwath is in the transfer portal and should get a lot of money from one of the blue bloods.

Jalil Betha – SG – Miami – Has entered the transfer portal after a tough season at Miami.

John Mobley Jr. – PG/SG – Ohio State – He’s a college star. It remains to be seen if his game will translate.

Here’s the latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft