NCAA Basketball: 10 biggest winners and losers from 2021 NBA Draft decisions

9. Winner – Gonzaga Bulldogs

The losses of All-Americans Jalen Suggs and Corey Kispert were not unexpected, as both are projected lottery picks. Losing Joel Ayayi stung, as he’s around the 25-40 range. But there was a chance that after this historic past season, Gonzaga was going to lose its entire starting lineup, including All-American Drew Timme and point guard Andrew Nembhard.

Yet both players not only came back but didn’t even enter the draft process. That’s an important note, as the Bulldogs didn’t have to worry about making alternative plans in July. And with five-star freshmen Hunter Sallis, Chet Holmgren, and Nolan Hickman, as well as 16 ppg scoring transfer guard Rasir Bolton, this team effectively replaces all of last season’s lost production. That’s why Gonzaga is the likely preseason No. 1 team for next season, with next to no drama in the past few months.

9. Loser – VCU Rams

The star of the Rams this season was Nah’Shon Hyland, who averaged 19.5 ppg and 4.7 rpg en route to winning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and leading them to the NCAA Tournament as a 10 seed. Unfortunately, VCU had to leave the event due to covid issues, being the only one that had to.

And that’s what makes Hyland’s move to the NBA Draft after his sophomore season so sad. It’s the right move, as he’s likely to get drafted but that leaves the Rams outside of the top-tier of the Atlantic 10, as teams such as Dayton and Richmond bring back seniors. Washington transfer  Marcus Tsohonis will have an impact but had Hyland returned, VCU would’ve been the preseason team to beat.