The NBA has revealed that 71 prospects have formally declared for the 2026 draft, marking the smallest pool of early‑entry candidates since the draft’s modern era began in 2003. The figure represents a sharp decline from the 106 underclassmen who filed for the 2025 cycle, underscoring a shifting landscape for college talent.
A Historic Low in Early Entrants
Among the names on the list are three highly touted freshmen: AJ Dybantsa, who wrapped up his first season at BYU; Darryn Peterson, a Kansas guard; and Cameron Boozer, a Duke forward. Each of them has already drawn significant attention for their performances and projected draft positions.
Players who wish to preserve their college eligibility must notify the league by June 13, a date that precedes the NCAA’s final withdrawal deadline of May 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Missing this window would lock them into the draft pool.
The draft itself will take place over two nights, June 23 and 24, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where teams will begin shaping their rosters for the upcoming season.