Stanford guard Okorie, North Carolina big Veesaar and Duke forward Evans confirm NBA draft stay plans for 2026

Three top prospects—Okorie, Veesaar, and Evans—officially decide to remain in the 2026 NBA draft after interviews at the NBA draft Combine.

Stanford's Okorie declares for draft Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie confirmed on Wednesday at the NBA draft Combine that he will stay in the 2026 NBA draft. The 6-foot-2 guard had a standout freshman season that transformed him from an unranked three-star recruit into a projected late first-round pick. Okorie stated he has consulted with coach Kyle Smith, his agents, and family before making the decision to pursue the draft route. 'I already talked with coach Smith, Kyle Smith, and I talked to my agents and my family,' Okorie explained. 'I'm staying in the draft.' ## North Carolina's Veesaar commits to draft after breakout year North Carolina center Henri Veesaar announced he will remain in the 2026 NBA draft, finalizing his decision just before the late April withdrawal deadline. Veesaar enjoyed a breakout season under coach Hubert Davis, averaging 17.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. He also met with new coach Michael Malone to discuss his future before making the call. 'I'm all-in on staying in the draft,' Veesaar declared. 'It's 100% my decision to stay. I think it's the right decision, basketball-wise.' ## Duke's Evans joins draft pool full-time Duke forward Isaiah Evans has also decided to forgo a return to college for the 2026 NBA draft. Evans, who shares Tobacco Road rivalries with Veesaar, confirmed he has not discussed a potential return to Durham with coach Jon Scheyer. His choice follows a season of development and a projected late first-round draft position. Evans becomes the third player from the ACC to declare for the draft following Okorie and Veesaar. ## Michigan's Johnson still weighing draft options Michigan forward Morez Johnson remains undecided as he navigates the NBA draft process, despite being ranked around the late first-round in post-lottery projections. Johnson, who started all 40 games during Michigan's national championship run, averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds last season. He explained his focus is on the NBA draft Combine and upcoming draft activities while relying on his agents for feedback from teams. 'I have to talk to my agents and .. see what type of feedback they've been getting,' Johnson said. 'I've just been focused on the Combine and the draft and the task at hand.' Michigan coach Dusty May has not pressured Johnson, emphasizing support for whatever decision he makes. ## Other prospects remain draft-focused with varying return possibilities Several other prospects expressed their intent to pursue the 2026 NBA draft but left the door open for a potential return to college basketball. Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson, Arizona center Koa Peat, Alabama forward Amari Allen, and former Baylor wing Tounde Yessoufou mentioned their focus on the draft while not ruling out college eligibility. Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas described his decision as 'TBD' when asked about staying in the draft or returning to school. ## Transfer portal players prioritize draft if selected early Two players in the transfer portal, Milan Momcilovic from Iowa State and Allen Graves from Santa Clara, indicated they prefer to remain in the 2026 NBA draft if chosen in the first round. Momcilovic disclosed he has not spoken with any colleges, though reports suggest Kentucky, Louisville, St. John's, and UCLA are among the schools interested. Graves named LSU and Duke as his top choices and the only schools he has discussed options with. ## Draft withdrawal deadline set for late May The official deadline for players to withdraw from the 2026 NBA draft and return to college basketball is May 27. Prospects currently in the draft evaluation process must finalize their decisions before this date. All players mentioned above continue their preparations for the draft, including participation in the NBA draft Combine in Chicago.