Bryant, Sorber amongst those staying in NBA draft

Jeff BorzelloMay 14, 2025, 07:45 PM ET

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• Basketball recruiting expert.
• Joined ESPN in 2014.
• Graduate of University of Delaware.CHICAGO– Numerous projected

NBA draft chooses advertised their stay-or-go choices Wednesday, with likely first-round choices Carter Bryant and Thomas Sorber and predicted second-rounders Drake Powell and Labaron Philon headlining a group that told reporters it has actually closed the door on a return to college.Bryant and Sorber opting to remain in the draft didn’t come as a surprise, with the former increasing into the lotto in ESPN’s newest mock draft and the latter ranked No. 23 in the NBA draft rankings.Bryant, a 6-foot-8 forward out of Arizona, began only 5 games for the Wildcats last season, but NBA teams are interested in his size, perimeter shooting ability and protective adaptability. He averaged 6.5 points last season.Editor’s Picks 2 Related Sorber was among the very best freshman big men in the nation at Georgetown, putting up 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and

2.0 blocks in 24 games before suffering a season-ending foot injury.North Carolina wing Powell, who checked as arguably the very best athlete at this week’s draft integrate, told ESPN that he’s “all-in on the draft”and the” door’s closed”on a go back to Chapel Hill. Ranked No. 32 in ESPN’s NBA draft rankings, Powell balanced 7.4 points as a freshman for the Tar Heels.”Hubert Davis has actually been really supportive during this process and I’m thankful that he has, “Powell stated. “I have actually understood him for a long time and we have actually constructed our relationship up and he’s just happy for

me.”Alabama guard Philon joined the previously mentioned trio in stating his intentions to stay in the NBA draft, stating he was “all-in on the draft.” Philon is No. 43 in ESPN’s NBA draft rankings after averaging 10.6 points and 3.8 assists as a freshman.He has already notified coach Nate Oats of his decision and validated that the door is closed on a return.Meanwhile, current Duke dedicate Cedric Coward and Florida big guy Alex Condon left the door open for a return, with both players looking for further positive feedback before

making a decision.Coward, a 6-foot-6 Washington State transfer, was No. 35 in ESPN’s NBA draft rankings entering the draft integrate.

He balanced 17.7 points and 7.0 rebounds and shot 40% from 3 in 6 games last season before missing out on the remainder of the campaign with a shoulder injury.” Right now, I’m 100% on the draft,”Coward informed reporters.

“I think speaking to Coach [Jon] Scheyer and the staff, they have actually agreed with me in regards to making sure I can focus exclusively on the draft.” It truly depends on what I hear. At the end of the day … the choice I’m going to make is based off the

info I get. And today the info is absolutely leaning towards remaining in the draft and I can say that, however at the end of the day, we got to determine the best choice to make for myself and the best choice to produce my household as I go forward.”Condon, who assisted lead Florida to the national championship last season, is No. 31 in ESPN’s NBA draft rankings after balancing 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds.”I understand I’m sort of in that 20-35 variety today, “he said.” I have actually got an excellent scenario awaiting me at Florida. I’ve got colleagues that I simply won a national championship with. It has

to be a good situation for me to remain [in the draft], but the feedback I’m getting from teams today is favorable and I’m prepared to stay in

if I require to. “Michigan devote Yaxel Lendeborg, who moved from UAB earlier this spring, was the highest-ranked draft prospect to participate in Wednesday’s scrimmages. The projected first-rounder clarified comments previously this week where he stated he was 60-40 in favor of withdrawing from the draft and betting the Wolverines. “I’m pretty even,”Lendeborg informed ESPN

.”I enjoy Michigan, I like the concept of discussing there and establishing. However the NBA is what everyone desires. I’m dead in the middle now. It’s difficult.”My supreme goal would be to attempt to break the top 20. Ideally I can get that. If not, then it will be a little much easier to make my decision.”Milos Uzan, who assisted lead Houston to the championship game game last season, balanced 11.4 points and 4.3 assists and has improved his stock into a borderline top-40 pick.” Today, I’m all-in on the draft,”he stated. “That’s the

frame of mind I wish to have. I wish to reveal these groups I think in my play and I believe I belong in this league.”However he hasn’t closed the door on a go back to the Cougars, who might be the preseason No. 1 group in the country if Uzan returns.” Coach [Kelvin] Sampson and those guys, they told me, male, if you can go get on a team and go get prepared, go do it. But if not, you understand where home is,”he said.Auburn point player Tahaad Pettiford was perhaps the very best player in Wednesday’s scrimmages, completing with 23 points and 8 helps while going 4-for-8 from 3-point variety. The freshman shined in a sixth-man function for the Tigers last season, averaging 11.6 points, and is No. 38 in ESPN’s NBA draft rankings.After Wednesday’s performance and Tuesday’s impressive athletic testing numbers, Pettiford’s stock is on the rise– but he stated he hasn’t chose whether he will remain in college or go to the NBA. “Simply going out through today and figure out the feedback I’m getting and figure it out from there,” he stated, including that he wishes to get a first-round warranty before making a last decision.San Diego State guard Miles Byrd, No. 51 in ESPN’s

NBA draft rankings, said he’s 50-50 on his decision, while Kentucky guard Otega Oweh said he’s “going through the procedure as if [he’s] all-in “however he’s not a lock to be drafted and for that reason hasn’t made a decision.Arkansas wing Adou Thiero is commonly anticipated to keep his name in the NBA draft, however said Wednesday that “the door is not totally shut”on a return.Four of the five best players left in the portal–

RJ Luis(St. John’s ), PJ Haggerty (Memphis), Darrion Williams (Texas Tech )and Jamir Watkins(Florida State )– said they would prefer to remain in the NBA draft, but have yet to make a final decision.