The List: Who’s In?

The NBA’s official release confirms that the 71 early entrants are all non-international college players, a group that includes several high-profile names from powerhouse programs. Among the most notable:

• Cameron Boozer (Duke, Freshman) – The 6-foot-9 forward, son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, has been a focal point of Duke’s offense this season. His decision to enter the draft comes after averaging 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in his debut campaign.
• Flory Bidunga (Kansas, Sophomore) – The 6-foot-10 Congolese big man transferred from Kansas to Louisville midseason but remains a projected first-round pick. His 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in 2025-26 solidified his reputation as a defensive anchor.
• Elliot Cadeau (Michigan, Junior) – The 6-foot-1 guard, a former McDonald’s All-American, has been a steady presence for the Wolverines. His 13.5 points and 4.8 assists per game this season earned him Big Ten All-Freshman honors in 2025.
• AJ Dybantsa (BYU, Freshman) – The 6-foot-9 forward burst onto the scene with 12.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, showcasing a versatile skill set that could make him a lottery pick.

The full list, published by the NBA, spans 20 conferences and includes players from traditional blue-blood programs (Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina) to mid-majors (Tulane, Drexel, Miami-OH). A complete breakdown of all 71 names is available in the league’s official release.

Deadlines and Decisions: What Happens Next?

For players who’ve declared, the next six weeks are critical. The NBA’s withdrawal deadline is 5 p.m. ET on June 13, giving prospects until then to decide whether to remain in the draft or return to school. College players, though, face a tighter window: under NCAA rules, they must withdraw by May 27 to retain eligibility for the 2026-27 season.

This dual-deadline system creates a strategic dilemma for many athletes. As Hoops Rumors notes, the early entry process has become a “testing the waters” exercise for most, with many players using the pre-draft combine and team workouts to gauge their stock before making a final decision. In 2025, for example, 109 players initially declared, but only 46 remained in the draft by the NBA’s withdrawal deadline.

One factor complicating this year’s decisions is the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. With college athletes now able to earn significant income through endorsements, some players may opt to stay in school longer to build their brands—especially if their draft projections aren’t first-round guarantees. As one NBA scout told Archysport off the record, “We’re seeing more guys treat college as a business now. If the money’s better in school, why rush?”

Trends and Context: Why This Year’s List Looks Different

The 71 early entrants in 2026 represent a notable decline from past years. In 2022, a record 283 players declared early, with 149 remaining in the draft. By 2025, those numbers had plummeted to 109 and 46, respectively. The NBA attributes this shift to two key factors:

1. The COVID-19 eligibility bubble has burst. Many players who received an extra year of eligibility in 2021 have now exhausted their college careers, reducing the pool of “super seniors” testing the draft.
2. NIL has made college more lucrative. With top prospects now able to earn six or seven figures annually through endorsements, the financial incentive to declare early has diminished for some.

Another trend: the rise of the “one-and-done” freshman is fading. Of the 71 early entrants this year, only 32 are freshmen, compared to 45 in 2024. This suggests that more players are opting to develop in college for at least two years before turning pro—a shift that could reshape the draft’s demographic in the coming seasons.

International Prospects: A Notable Absence

One quirk of this year’s early entry list is the absence of international players. The NBA’s official release specifies that the 71 names are all “non-international players from colleges,” meaning prospects like Mohammad Amini (France) and Karim López (New Zealand), who were listed on other trackers, have not yet filed with the league. This could change in the coming weeks, as international players face a later withdrawal deadline (June 13) and often declare closer to the draft.

For now, the focus remains on the college ranks, where the draft’s future stars are making their first major career decisions.

What’s Next: Key Dates to Watch

• May 27: NCAA withdrawal deadline for college players to retain eligibility.
• June 13: NBA withdrawal deadline (5 p.m. ET).
• June 23-24: 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center, Brooklyn.

The next few weeks will bring a flurry of workouts, combine invites, and mock draft updates. For fans and front offices alike, the real drama begins now: who stays, who goes, and who could rise up draft boards in the final stretch.