Photo: Isaiah White-Getty The NBA Draft is usually viewed as the finish line for college basketball, and for most players, getting called as soon as possible is the ultimate dream. For others, that dream can wait until they're ready, and we've witnessed a handful of legit talent withdraw from the 2026 NBA draft in favor of the campus grounds. Some of these players were already on NBA radars. Some had first-round buzz. Some could have stayed in the draft and taken their chance

by Zak Drapeau Sportz Nation - 5/13/2026 Photo by Chris Schwegler via Getty Images/ NBAE 1. Washington Wizards Darryn Peterson, Kansas, Guard So pick #1 and I'm already making waves but not only do I think Peterson is a much better fit in Washington than A.J. but has as much potential too. Peterson has been scrutinized because he "lost explosiveness in college" but I see it as a minor setback year for an amazing athlete who can get a bucket anywhere. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Photo: Braden Daley/AP After months of projections, debates, scouting reports, tank-watch drama and suspense, the order is set. The 2026 NBA Draft picture is no longer a guessing game, at least not when it comes to where each team will be picking. Now comes the fun part: figuring out which young star fits best with the franchises hoping to change their future overnight. With the lottery teams locked into place and the No. 1 pick officially belonging to Washington, the clock t

Photo: Michael Hickey/GettyImages The NBA Draft Lottery is one of the strangest nights on the league calendar. No games are played, no shots are taken, and yet, the bounce of a few ping-pong balls can alter the future of an entire franchise. That date is soon approaching, and it will determine picks in a class loaded with insane talent. The Wizards, Pacers and Nets own the top odds, but as history has shown, lottery night rarely goes exactly as expected. For every team involv