The final hours before the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline are always one of the most interesting parts of the college basketball offseason because so many teams are still waiting to find out what they actually look like heading into next year. With the deadline officially set for Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET, a handful of major programs are still holding their breath over decisions that could completely change conference races and preseason expectations.
In today’s NIL era, returning to school is no longer viewed as a surprise. Players can make real money, improve their draft stock and come back to situations where they already know they can thrive. That is why these remaining decisions feel so important for fans around the sport.
These are the five biggest undecided names still hanging over the sport entering the deadline.
5. Andrej Stojakovic, Illinois
Illinois already feels dangerous heading into next season, but Andrej Stojakovic returning would completely elevate the ceiling of the roster.
The talented wing has NBA-level scoring instincts and the kind of offensive creativity that is difficult to replace in college basketball. At times last season, he looked capable of taking over games entirely by himself. That upside is why NBA teams remain intrigued.
Still, another season in college could allow Stojakovic to become one of the nation’s biggest stars while polishing the consistency scouts still want to see.
If he returns, Illinois suddenly becomes one of the most entertaining teams in the country.
4. Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State
Few undecided players feel more important emotionally to their fanbase than Milan Momcilovic.
Iowa State has built its identity around toughness, continuity and development, and Momcilovic became a huge part of that foundation. His combination of size and perimeter scoring makes him one of the most unique offensive forwards still weighing his future.
The transfer portal already created uncertainty around the situation, but a return to college basketball somewhere would instantly become one of the biggest offseason storylines remaining.
There is real NBA intrigue surrounding his offensive skill set, but another season could allow him to become one of the most complete forwards in the country.
3. Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor
Baylor fans have been waiting to see whether Tounde Yessoufou will officially become the next centerpiece of the program, and that answer could finally arrive before Wednesday night’s deadline.
Few players still undecided bring the same level of excitement that Yessoufou does. His athleticism, scoring ability and nonstop energy already make him one of the most intriguing young players in the country, which is exactly why NBA teams continue to monitor him closely.
At the same time, another year in college basketball could completely explode his national profile.
If Yessoufou returns to Baylor, the Bears instantly become one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the Big 12. He has the type of game that fans love watching because every possession feels aggressive and fast. Whether he is attacking the rim in transition or creating highlight plays defensively, he changes the pace of games almost immediately.
There is no question the NBA future is there. The only question is whether Baylor gets one more season with a player who could become one of college basketball’s biggest stars by March.
2. Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt
Tyler Tanner’s decision may end up defining Vanderbilt’s entire season before it even starts.
The explosive guard has the talent to become one of college basketball’s breakout superstars if he returns to Nashville. His ability to create offense, attack defenses and completely control momentum makes him the kind of player every SEC contender wants.
That is why the pressure surrounding this decision feels enormous.
If Tanner stays in the draft, Vanderbilt loses the centerpiece of its roster. If he returns, expectations for the Commodores immediately change. Suddenly, this becomes a team capable of making legitimate national noise instead of simply fighting for tournament positioning.
Few players still undecided carry that kind of weight.
1. Koa Peat, Arizona
No undecided player in college basketball feels bigger than Koa Peat right now.
For much of the season, Peat looked like a future lottery pick. But the closer the withdrawal deadline gets, the more realistic a return to Arizona seems to become.
And if that happens, the national championship conversation changes instantly.
Peat has the physical tools NBA teams dream about, but another year in college basketball could allow him to sharpen parts of his offensive game while dominating at the college level. Arizona would immediately have one of the best returning stars in the country and a roster capable of making a serious Final Four push.
This is the type of decision that defines the modern NIL era. Elite players no longer have to leave simply because they can. Sometimes the smartest long-term move is betting on one more college season.
That is why the entire sport is still waiting on Peat’s decision.
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