As the 2026‑27 college basketball season approaches, several elite juniors have announced they will return to school, a move that could reshape the 2027 NBA Draft.
A New Wave of Talent
Thomas Haugh, who helped Florida capture a national championship last year, returns with a proven scoring touch. In his junior season he posted 17.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, numbers that have scouts whispering about a potential lottery selection if his senior year takes a leap.
Motiejus Krivas, a cornerstone of Arizona’s recent run, brings a different skill set. He averaged 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks, and his defensive presence could elevate his draft stock should he dominate the paint in his final college year.
Milan Momcilovic’s physical profile also draws attention. Measured at 6‑foot‑8 without shoes and boasting a 6‑foot‑9‑and‑a‑quarter wingspan, the Iowa State transfer now trains under Kentucky’s staff. His 16.9 points per game and reliable shooting suggest he could break into the first round with another strong shooting season.
Beyond the headline names, other seniors are poised to make noise. Rueben Chinyelu, Jeremy Fears Jr., Elliot Cadeau and a host of additional prospects such as Alex Condon, JP Estrella, Caden Pierce, Miles Byrd, Joseph Tugler, Sam Lewis, Pryce Sandfort, Andrej Stojakovic, John Blackwell and Coen Carr could each influence the draft’s final shape.