NBA 2026 Draft hits low mark not seen since 2003

The influence of NIL on college basketball is becoming more obvious. The NBA’s early-entry list for the 2026 Draft, released Monday, featured only 71 players, a surprising decline from 106 last year and well below the 2021 peak of 363. It’s the lowest early-entrant totallowest early-entrant total since 2003, back when high school prospects could enter the league without playing in college.

Players are increasingly choosing to remain in school due to improved financial opportunities. Some college programs are spending over $20 million on roster construction, contributing to increased player retention.

Several high-profile prospects waited until the final days before declaring, including Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, Duke’s Cameron Boozer, and BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, all projected as potential No. 1 overall selections. Meanwhile, multiple players among the 71 entrants could still return to college by withdrawing before the May 27, 11:59 p.m. ET deadline to maintain eligibility.

Like USC’s Alijah Arenas, a former top-10 recruit and son of ex-NBA guard Gilbert Arenas, who initially entered the draft but withdrew shortly after the list was released. He is expected to return for his sophomore season after missing early 2025-26 games due to a knee injury following a car accident.

Other players such as Alabama’s Amari Allen, Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner, Arkansas’ Meleek Thomas, Stanford’s Ebuka Okorie, and Arkansas forward Billy Richmond are testing the draft waters but could also return to school for another season.

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