Okorie, Veesaar and Evans Commit to NBA Draft
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CHICAGO — Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie, North Carolina forward Henri Veesaar and Duke wing Isaiah Evans said Wednesday at the NBA draft combine that they will keep their names in the 2026 NBA draft.
All three are projected late first-round selections in ESPN’s post-lottery mock draft. Okorie, a 6-foot-2 freshman who rose from an unranked three-star recruit to a potential first-rounder, confirmed he made the decision after discussions with Stanford coach Kyle Smith, his agents and family members.
Veesaar, who averaged 17.0 points and 8.7 rebounds last season, called his choice “100% my decision,” noting that conversations with new Tar Heels coach Michael Malone did not alter his plan to turn professional. Evans said he has had no talks with Duke about returning and is “fully in.”
Michigan forward Morez Johnson, No. 20 in ESPN’s mock draft after starting all 40 games during the Wolverines’ championship run, remains undecided. He said he will consult his agents after the combine before choosing between the draft and another season under coach Dusty May.
Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson, Arizona forward Koa Peat, Alabama forward Amari Allen and former Baylor wing Tounde Yessoufou each said they are focused on the draft but have not ruled out a college return. Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas described his status as “TBD.”
Former Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic and former Santa Clara forward Allen Graves, both in the transfer portal, indicated they prefer to stay in the draft if they receive first-round grades. Sources said Kentucky, Louisville, St. John’s and UCLA have shown interest in Momcilovic, while Graves listed LSU and Duke as his leading college options.
The withdrawal deadline for college players is May 27.
Source: ESPN
