NBA Unveils Initial 71-Player Early Entrant List for 2026 Draft
nba-initial-early-entrant-list-2026-draft
The NBA on Monday released its first group of early entry candidates for the 2026 draft, listing 71 players in a league press release. The field features 60 college athletes and 11 international prospects.
The figure is well below recent norms and marks the smallest early-entrant pool since 2003. For comparison, 353 prospects initially declared in 2021, followed by 283 in 2022, 242 in 2023, 201 in 2024 and 109 last year.
Industry observers point to the NCAA’s name, image and likeness (NIL) rules—allowing athletes to earn significant income while still in school—as a key reason fewer underclassmen are rushing to turn professional. Another factor: most college seniors are now automatically draft-eligible, eliminating the need for many to file early-entry paperwork.
Players have two chances to withdraw. College prospects must decide by May 27 to keep their NCAA eligibility, while international players face a June 13 deadline. Those who remain after June 13 will join automatically eligible seniors and other players in the 2026 draft pool.
New Additions to the NBA’s Official List
College players
- Alijah Arenas, G, USC (freshman)
- Jacob Cofie, F, USC (sophomore)
- Cruz Davis, G, Hofstra (junior)
- Kennard Davis, G/F, BYU (junior)
- Gabe Dynes, C, USC (junior)
- Eian Elmer, F, Miami (OH) (junior)
- Colby Garland, G, San Jose State (junior)
- Isiah Harwell, G, Houston (freshman)
- Louis Hutchinson, G/F, Alabama (junior)
- Paulius Murauskas, F, Saint Mary’s (junior)
- Sebastian Rancik, F, Colorado (sophomore)
- Andrej Stojakovic, G/F, Illinois (junior)
International players
- Francesco Ferrari, F, Italy (born 2005)
- Marc-Owen Fodzo Dada, G, France (born 2006)
Names No Longer Listed
The league’s document did not include three players previously reported as potential entrants. Their omission could indicate a change of plans, a paperwork issue, or automatic eligibility because of expiring NCAA status.
- Dai Dai Ames, G, California (junior)
- Terrence Brown, G, Utah (junior)
- John Mobley Jr., G, Ohio State (sophomore)
The 2026 draft will be limited to 60 selections, meaning a significant number of current early entrants will not hear their names called unless they withdraw or are selected in future drafts.
Source: Hoops Rumors
