The 2025 NBA Draft may mark a major turning point, as players are now weighing their future in ways they never have before. To that point, the earning power of NIL deals has led to prospects like Kansas State transfer PJ Haggerty deciding to return to school. There are, of course, those that opt to withdraw from the draft for other reasons. The feedback that they’ve received up to this point serves as a guidepost; if they’re not on firm ground, they’ll know.
With that in mind, 14 players on ESPN’s Top-100 list have opted to go back to college (h/t ESPN and DraftExpress’s Jonathan Givony). A couple, namely Duke wing Isaiah Evans and Florida guard Boogie Fland, could be lottery picks during the next draft cycle.
Final NCAA deadline withdrawal list (ESPN Top-100 ranking)
26. Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan)
31. Alex Condon (Florida)
38. Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn)
41. Milos Uzan (Houston)
42. Boogie Fland (Florida)
43. Labaron Philon (Alabama)
44. Isaiah Evans (Duke)
46. Darrion Williams (NC… pic.twitter.com/B8SBRUgDuP— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 29, 2025
All that said, there are multiple sleeper prospects who’ll remain in the 2025 NBA Draft. In fact, with 14 prospects dropping out of the race, these dark horses have a better chance to be selected.
Sleeper 2025 NBA Draft Prospects Who Won’t Return To College
Jamir Watkins
Florida State forward Jamir Watkins has decided to keep his name in the hat, per CBS Sports insider Jon Rothstein.
Jamir Watkins tells me that he’s staying in the 2025 NBA Draft.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 28, 2025
In 2024-25, the senior averaged a career-high 18.4 points per game, shooting 42.7 percent from the field. A natural scorer and physical on-ball defender with a fine-tuned frame at 6-foot-7 and 210 pounds, he should hear his name called in June. Frankly, it’s strange that that he hasn’t gotten more attention thus far.
With the NBA’s pace and spacing, he has the potential to become a real rotation player at the next level.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser
Penn State big man Yanic Konan Niederhauser is another player who’ll try his luck in the draft, per Givony. Indeed, he’s a potential first-round pick, Givony adds. Earlier this month, Konan Niederhauser was among the quintet that received a late call-up to the NBA Draft Combine.
NEWS: Penn State’s Yanic Konan Niederhauser is keeping his name in the NBA draft, he told ESPN.
The Swiss 7-footer had a strong week at the NBA draft combine, helping him emerge as a potential first round pick. pic.twitter.com/Noiv4vNOAM
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 28, 2025
In 2024-25, the junior averaged 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. In fact, it was his second consecutive season averaging at least 2 blocks per game, underscoring his prowess as a rim-protector. His size, instincts and athleticism make him a prospect worth keeping an eye on.
Adou Thiero
Adou Thiero was the apple of draft enthusiasts’ eyes last season. Because of that, it’s not necessarily a surprise that he’s decided against returning to Arkansas (h/t Givony). However, it is music to many talent evaluator’s ears.
In 2024-24, the junior averaged 15.1 points and 1.6 steals per game; a breakout performance. Though he has room to improve as a jump shooter, he’s a powerful and creative driver with playmaking upside. At the other end of the court, he’s a menace who makes great use of his hands.
RJ Luis
Consensus All-American and St. John’s guard RJ Luis has also decided to stay in the draft (h/t Givony).
NEWS: RJ Luis will remain in the NBA Draft.
Luis was the most coveted player left in the transfer portal, being pursued by North Carolina, Kansas, Ole Miss, Villanova, Georgetown and others. They’ll need to search elsewhere now to complete their rosters this off-season. pic.twitter.com/QJxtBCnhfw
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 28, 2025
Like many players on this list, he had a career year in 2024-25, averaging 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. A patient and versatile scorer at 6-foot-7 and 196 pounds, he can also operate as a facilitator. He’s well aware of how to use his length to make impact plays defensively.
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