The NIL era in college basketball has its ups and downs, but one significant benefit is keeping potential NBA stars in school a bit longer. Whether it's with their home teams or new ones after a stint in the transfer portal, players are opting to stay and develop, courtesy of enticing NIL deals. This season echoed that new wave, as only 106 aspiring pros declared early for the NBA Draft—the lowest since 2015.
Let's dive into some player scenarios where staying in college might be the best move, starting with Florida's powerhouse center, Alex Condon. A cornerstone in Florida's national title run, Condon's ankle injury during the Sweet 16 against Maryland had fans holding their breath.
At nearly 7 feet, he's caught in that tricky draft bubble: hovering around late first-round territory but at risk of sliding into the second. Returning to Florida could not only help sharpen his draft prospects but also solidify the Gators' position as a preseason powerhouse, thanks to an intense frontcourt ready to dominate.
Condon's flair for directing plays out of dribble handoffs and knack for filling defensive gaps makes him a linchpin. His bustling energy in transition and cleanup duties on the glass set the collegiate courts ablaze, often setting the tone for the team's relentless pace and dynamism.
Then there's San Diego State's burgeoning star, Miles Byrd. Last season was a breakout for the 6-foot-7 wing, moving from a bench role to a consistent starter, and posting all-time highs across the board.
Byrd’s prevalence from the perimeter—despite a shaky 30.1% from deep—spotlights him as a volume shooter poised for further development. Forgoing the draft this year could give Byrd the chance to refine his shooting touch and defensive prowess further, capitalizing on an already impressive arsenal of basketball instincts displayed during the NBA draft combine.
Next up, Kentucky's critical acquisition from the transfer portal, Otega Oweh. In Coach Mark Pope's rejuvenated setup, Oweh's electrifying performances and average of 16.2 points a game stood out in his inaugural season with the Wildcats. Should he decide to hang around, he’ll be a part of a formidable core returning to secure Kentucky’s competitive edge, a win-win for him and Pope’s program.
Tahaad Pettiford of Auburn is another player grappling with the draft vs. school dilemma. An instant offense off the bench, Pettiford flashed moments of brilliance that turned games on their head.
Returning could not only lock him in as Auburn’s primary playmaker but also skyrocket his draft stock into a solid first-rounder next time around. Handed the keys to the offense, Pettiford could transition from a highlight reel to a complete, polished prospect.
Finally, Milos Uzan, the marksman out of Houston who found his footing after a skip from Oklahoma. Uzan hit a stellar 42.8% from beyond the arc and crafted a narrative of clutch performances, particularly during high-stakes matches—which included a game-winning moment against Purdue in the Sweet 16.
Yet, inconsistencies emerged during critical NCAA Tournament games. A return to nurture his trajectory with an elite squad like Houston might just be the ticket to refine his draft appeal, ensuring both him and the team reach their lofty aspirations.
These player stories exemplify the strategic benefits of another year in college hoops—where the blend of maturing skill sets, team dynamics, and personal growth paths intersect with the booming NIL landscape, building a future that benefits both the college game and the players eyeing brighter professional horizons.
