The NCAA announced last week that it has pushed back the underclassmen withdrawal date for the 2020 NBA Draft from June 3rd to a later date that is to be determined.
Below are 40 college programs anxiously waiting for the deadline.
In alphabetical order:
Alabama
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Herb Jones, John Petty
The Skinny: Neither of these players are projected as first round picks, but Petty’s ability to shoot the ball (44.0 percent from 3-point range) has some teams intrigued elsewhere in the draft. If both Jones and Petty return next season, Nate Oats will have two All-SEC players to pair with a strong returning nucleus of Jaden Shackelford, Alex Reese, and Villanova transfer Jahvon Quinerly.
Arizona State
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Remy Martin, Alonzo Verge
The Skinny: If Martin returns for his senior season, he’ll be the Pac-12 Preseason Player of the Year, a first-team All-American, and the Sun Devils — even with the loss of Romello White — will be the favorite to win their conference. If he doesn’t, Bobby Hurley will have to recalibrate his attack around five-star freshman Josh Christopher. Verge is not expected to remain in the draft.
Arkansas
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Isaiah Joe
The Skinny: An elite shooter, Joe has made a combined 207 three-point shots during his first two years at Arkansas. Armed with good size at 6-5, this is the type of player who might have flourished if the NBA had its normal workout schedule leading up to the draft. He’ll be best served returning to school and helping Eric Musselman reach his first NCAA Tournament as Razorbacks’ head coach in 2021.
Baylor
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Jared Butler, MaCio Teague
The Skinny: Butler and Teague were the only double-figure scorers on last year’s Baylor team that won 26 games. Both are better off returning to school next season in an effort to improve individually while helping Scott Drew get to his first Final Four in Waco.
Boise State
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Derrick Alston Jr.
The Skinny: The 6-9 Alston caught the eyes of many NBA scouts during the season thanks to his lanky frame and high skill level. This is another example of a player who could have really benefited if the NBA had its normal workout schedule leading up to the draft. If Alston opts to return to Boise State, the Broncos could be a major contender in the Mountain West next season.
Clemson
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Aamir Simms
The Skinny: Simms is an intriguing prospect because he’s an improved shooter. The 6-8 forward shot 40.0 percent from three-point range last season as a junior. He’s not expected to remain in the draft and should be one of the best players in the ACC in 20-21.
Cincinnati
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Keith Williams, Chris Vogt
The Skinny: The Bearcats lost two of the best players in the American Conference when Jarron Cumberland and Tre Scott exhausted all of their eligibility after last season. They’ll need Williams back to stay in the NCAA Tournament picture in 2021. Vogt is not expected to remain in the draft.
Colorado
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: McKinley Wright
The Skinny: With Tyler Bey already off to the NBA, Wright’s return is essential for the Buffaloes. He’s not currently projected to be a first or second round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. With Wright back in Boulder for his senior season, Tad Boyle should have enough to get his team into the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
Creighton
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Damien Jefferson, Denzel Mahoney
The Skinny: The ceiling for Creighton was lowered when Ty-Shon Alexander opted to bypass his remaining years of college for the NBA, but the Jays still have plenty of reinforcements. As long as both Jefferson and Mahoney return to school, Greg McDermott should have the second best team in the Big East behind Villanova. Neither player is expected to remain in the draft.
Dayton
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Jalen Crutcher, Ibi Watson
The Skinny: The Flyers had their best team in program history last season. To have one of the best teams in the Atlantic 10 in 20-21, they’ll need both Crutcher and Watson to return to school. Anything other than that would be a major shock.
Florida
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Tre Mann, Andrew Nembhard
The Skinny: Well embedded moles close to this situation believe there’s a realistic chance that Nembhard bypasses his remaining eligibility to begin his professional career. Mann is expected to return. Cleveland State transfer Tyree Appleby is another option for the Gators at point guard next season if someone else needs to emerge to handle extended minutes.
Gonzaga
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Joel Ayai, Corey Kispert, Filip Petrusev
The Skinny: If all three of these players return, the Bulldogs will be the top ranked team in the country to start next season. The 6-11 Petrusev — who averaged 17.5 points and 7.9 rebounds — last year as a sophomore is a lock to be a preseason first-team All-American if he is back as a junior.
Houston
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Dejon Jarreau
The Skinny: Kelvin Sampson has more guards in his program than Tim Robbins worked alongside when he was filming The Shawshank Redemption. As long as Houston doesn’t lose Jarreau to the NBA Draft, the Cougars will remain heavy favorites in the American Conference entering next season.
Iowa
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Luka Garza
The Skinny: This one is easy. If Garza returns to school, Iowa is the preseason favorite in the Big Ten and a legitimate threat to go to the Final Four for the first time since 1980. Garza would also be the overwhelming favorite to win National Player of the Year.
Illinois
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Kofi Cockburn, Ayo Dosunmu
The Skinny: While many believe Dosunmu’s mind is already made up for the NBA, the same cannot be said of Cockburn. His return would stabilize Illinois up front and allow Brad Underwood’s program to stay in the hunt for an NCAA Tournament bid in 2021. His departure would be a setback for a program that made massive strides last season in terms of its overall perception in the Big Ten.
Indiana
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Justin Smith
The Skinny: This 6-7 forward is a quality athlete and key piece for the Hoosiers who’s not expected to stay in the 2020 NBA Draft. Smith’s return is critical as Archie Miller builds towards what should be his best season yet in Bloomington.
LSU
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Darius Days, Javonte Smart, Trendon Watford
The Skinny: While Smart and Days are nowhere near any draft boards, Watford is a more intriguing prospect who could have benefited from some pre draft workouts. He’s still though, probably a year away. After averaging 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds last season as a freshman, the 6-9 forward could be the SEC Player of the Year next year if he returns as a sophomore.
Michigan
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Isaiah Livers
The Skinny: Livers only played 21 games last season due to injuries and probably wouldn’t even be considering a return to school if he was healthy during all of last year. The 6-7 forward has shot better than 40.0 percent from three-point range in each of his last two seasons. His return is critical for Michigan to remain competitive with the top of the Big Ten in 20-21.
Michigan State
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Aaron Henry, Xavier Tillman
The Skinny: If Tillman returns to school for his senior year, the Spartans could have the sport’s best power forward-center combo next season with he and Marquette transfer Joey Hauser. If he doesn’t, Tom Izzo may have some growing pains up front in November and December. And Henry? He’s currently unlikely to be drafted, but will be in position to be one of the best players in the Big Ten if he returns as a junior.
Minnesota
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Marcus Carr
The Skinny: Carr was quietly one of the best guards in the Big Ten last season and averaged a very complete 15.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. While he’s not currently an NBA prospect for 2020, he can turn more heads over the next 12 months if he aids Minnesota in the most important area of basketball — winning.
Mississippi State
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Abdul Ado, Robert Woodard
The Skinny: Ben Howland expected to lose Reggie Perry early to the NBA Draft this spring, but didn’t expect to lose his starting point guard Nick Weatherspoon as well. If the 6-7 Woodard follows suit, it’s going to be really difficult for the Bulldogs to remain in the top half of the SEC next season. Ado, a versatile big with great intangibles, is expected to return.
Missouri
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Jeremiah Tilmon, Xavier Pinson, Mitchell Smith
The Skinny: Several SEC coaches believe that Missouri could be one of the league’s surprise teams in 20-21. That’s contingent on not losing either Tilmon or Pinson, who averaged 11.1 points last season. Smith is expected to return.
Nevada
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Jalen Harris
The Skinny: Harris’ decision for next season will have an impact on the entire Mountain West Conference. If he returns, Steve Alford could win the league in just his second season in Reno. The 6-5 wing was the best player in college basketball that not enough people knew about last season, averaging 21.7 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 36.2 percent from long distance.
Northern Iowa:
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: AJ Green
The Skinny: Northern Iowa is expected to be one of the top mid-major programs in the country next season. Green is a major reason why. If he returns to school as he should, he’ll form a lethal back court with running mate Trae Berhow.
Richmond
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Jacob Gilyard, Blake Francis, Grant Golden
The Skinny: Chris Mooney privately feels that next season will be his best since he led Richmond to the Sweet 16 in 2011. If Gilyard, Francis, and Golden all return, that’s more than a legitimate possibility.
Rhode Island
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Fatts Russell
The Skinny: Russell was quietly one of the top guards in the country last season, especially defensively, where he ranked third nationally in steals (2.9). At 5-10, he needs to prove he can effectively run a team to have a chance to stick at the professional level. If he returns to school, he’s a potential All-American candidate in 20-21.
Saint Louis
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Jordan Goodwin, Hasahn French
The Skinny: Travis Ford will have his best team yet at Saint Louis if both of these players return to school. Goodwin and French both averaged double-doubles last season, leading the Billikens to 23 wins prior to the NCAA Tournament. This is the team to beat in the Atlantic 10 if all hands are on deck. Neither Goodwin or French is projected to be drafted.
San Diego State
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Matt Mitchell
The Skinny: This decision feels like a formality and that’s a good thing for Brian Dutcher. With Malachi Flynn and Yanni Wetzell no longer a part of San Diego State’s program, Dutcher needs Mitchell’s shooting and experience back next season to remain at the top of the Mountain West.
Seton Hall
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Sandro Mamukelashvili
The Skinny: 6-11 and skilled, Mamukelashvili is an intriguing prospect. Blessed with the ability to create space and facilitate, he’s the type of European style big man that could have many folks salivating because of his long term potential. With Myles Powell no longer a part of Seton Hall’s program, he’ll be best served returning to school and being featured next season as a senior under Kevin Willard.
SMU
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Feron Hunt, Isiaha Mike
The Skinny: Tim Jankovich should have his best team since he won 30 games in 16-17 if both of these guys come back. Barring something unforeseen, SMU should return everyone of significance from a team that went 19-11 last season.
Stanford
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Tyrell Terry
The Skinny: If Terry returns, Stanford is a legitimate contender to win the Pac-12. If he doesn’t, then the Cardinal will probably finish somewhere in the top half of the conference. Those close to Terry believe he desires to remain in the draft, but probably won’t make a final decision until very late in the process.
South Carolina
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: AJ Lawson
The Skinny: Frank Martin has an NCAA Tournament caliber team in Columbia if Lawson comes back as a junior. With nearly identical statistical outputs as a freshman and sophomore, this 6-6 wing needs to improve his shooting and every other area of his game if he’s truly going to have a long lasting career as a pro.
South Florida:
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: David Collins
The Skinny: Solid as a rock, Brian Gregory needs Collins back if he’s going to have a chance to make South Florida one of the top teams in the American Conference next season. This one should be a no brainer for all parties involved.
Tennessee
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Yves Pons
The Skinny: The Vols are expected to be one of the top teams in the SEC next season and Pons is a major reason why. A freak athlete at 6-6, Pons plays each game like he’s operating off a trampoline. This is another kid who could have turned heads with his athleticism if the NBA had its normal pre draft process. His return is critical for Tennessee to hit its apex next season.
UCLA
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Chris Smith
The Skinny: Smith isn’t projected to be a first or second round pick and still has things to recalibrate if he wants to truly have a lengthy career at the professional level. If he returns for senior season, he’ll be a legitimate candidate to be Pac-12 Player of the Year and an All-American in 20-21.
Utah
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Timmy Allen
The Skinny: Both Gach’s decision not to return to Utah this past week makes Allen’s future plans beyond critical. The 6-6 forward averaged 17.3 points and 7.3 rebounds last season as a sophomore and will be one of the top players in the Pac-12 as a junior if he returns to Utah.
Villanova
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Saddiq Bey
The Skinny: Bey is universally projected as a first-round pick after just two years at Villanova. While nothing is yet official, most well embedded moles expect him to remain in the draft. Even without him, the Wildcats will enter next season as the team to beat in the Big East and one of the top squads in the country.
Virginia
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Jay Huff
The Skinny: The 7-1 Huff is intriguing because he’s a shot blocker at one end (2.0) and an adequate three-point shooter (35.8 percent) at the other. He’s probably a year away from being firmly in the draft conversation. Expect him to return to Charlottesville to form a potent baseline combination with Marquette transfer Sam Hauser.
Washington State
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: CJ Elleby
The Skinny: Imagine Elleby played for a blue blood? This 6-6 lefty was a major reason why Washington State was able to finish 16-16 in its first year under Kyle Smith, averaging an impressive 18.4 points and 7.8 rebounds as a sophomore. Elleby isn’t currently projected to be drafted. His return could make the Cougars a sneaky good team in the Pac-12 next season.
Wichita State
Early Entry Candidate(s) For 2020 NBA Draft: Dexter Dennis
The Skinny: Three of the Shockers’ top six scorers opted to transfer after last season which is why Dennis’ return is so critical to Wichita State. With he, Tyson Etienne, and Trey Wade, Gregg Marshall would still have a solid foundation in place that could be competitive in the American Conference.
