NCAA Basketball: Top 25 NBA Draft decisions left with a week before deadline

We’re down to just one week until the May 31st deadline for players to end the NBA Draft. There are still dozens of NCAA Basketball players with eligibility left that could come back for the 2023-24 season. So far, we’ve seen some surprises, including starting center and current projected undrafted pick, Charles Bediako, opting to stay in the draft.

What other surprises could be in store? Here’s a list of the top remaining players that could reasonably go one way or another in the next seven days before the deadline. This won’t include free agents such as Arthur Kaluma, Grant Nelson, and Rayj Dennis.

Honorable Mention: Judah Mintz – Syracuse Orange

The 6’3 freshman guard had a stellar year with the Orange, averaging 16.3 ppg and 4.6 apg. He’s not much of a three-point shooter but is a quality slasher to the basket and has a good mid-range game. Syracuse has added a few guards this offseason, including Chance Westry and Kyle Cuffe so losing Mintz wouldn’t be a dealbreaker. Still, he’d be a quality returning piece for new head coach, Adrian Autry.

HM: Anton Watson – Gonzaga Bulldogs

Watson averaged a career-high 11.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg this past season as a true senior, making a whopping 61% of overall shots. The 6’8 forward is a quality defender and passer and someone that could get a two-way deal in the draft. But with Drew Timme gone, Watson could also have an even bigger role if he wanted to return as well. Plus, with multiple newcomers via the transfer portal, having a veteran would help the assimilation process for the team.