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Rather than declare as early entry candidates for the 2026 NBA Draft, several of the top players in college basketball decided to go back to school.
With the significant rise of NIL packages offered to collegiate players to play another season with their college team or use the transfer portal, the basketball world has never seen such little financial incentive to turn pro. In many cases, top men’s basketball players can actually collect more annual money at their university than they would have in the first year of their rookie scale contract.
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Prospects have until 11:59 p.m. ET on April 24 to declare as early entry candidates for the 2026 NBA Draft. Those players can remain as draft candidates 11:59 p.m. ET on May 27 if they want to maintain their collegiate eligibility.
It is not uncommon for players to “test the waters” and go through the draft process and attend the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, then decide to go back to school.
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Who’s the NBA’s GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Michael Jordan, Laney High School (NC)
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Who’s the NBA’s GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Michael Jordan, Laney High School (NC)
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Who’s the NBA’s GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
LeBron James, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (OH)
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Who’s the NBA’s GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Kobe Bryant, Lower Merion High School (PA)
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Who’s the NBA’s GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Stephen Curry, Charlotte Christian School (NC)
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Who’s the NBA’s GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Power Memorial Academy (NY)
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Who’s the NBA’s GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, Everett High School (MI)
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Who’s the NBA’s GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Larry Bird, Springs Valley High School (IN)
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Who’s the NBA’s GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Bill Russell, McClymonds High School (CA)
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Who’s the NBA’s GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Wilt Chamberlain, Overbrook High School (PA)
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Who’s the NBA’s GOAT? 30 players who have the best…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-top-basketball-prospects-returning-200216780.html
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Publish date : 2026-04-24 20:02:00
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