The NBA released its early entry list for the 2026 draft on Monday, featuring just 71 underclassmen—the lowest number since 2003. USC guard Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, entered without a public announcement but reportedly withdrew hours later to return for his sophomore season. Top prospects like Kansas' Darryn Peterson and Duke's Cameron Boozer declared in the final days.
The NBA announced 71 early entrants for the 2026 draft after a deadline marked by uncertainty among underclassmen. This figure marks the fewest since 2003, down from 106 last year and a peak of 363 in 2021 amid COVID-related rules. Officials note the shift coincides with the NIL era's start in 2021, which has reshaped player decisions, according to CBS Sports rankings and analysis. The deadline for withdrawals, preserving college eligibility, is May 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Alijah Arenas, ranked No. 39 in CBS Sports' prospect rankings and a top-10 recruit in the 2025 class by 247Sports, did not enter the NCAA transfer portal, signaling his return to USC. He missed the first two months of the 2025-26 season after a car crash last spring and knee surgery last summer. Several high-profile college players declared late, including potential No. 1 picks Darryn Peterson of Kansas, Cameron Boozer of Duke, and BYU's AJ Dybantsa. Others like Alabama's Amari Allen, Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner, Arkansas' Meleek Thomas, and Stanford's Ebuka Okorie may also withdraw and return to school.
