Stojakovic, Richmond Withdraw From 2026 NBA Draft, Return to School
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Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic and Arkansas forward Billy Richmond have removed their names from the 2026 NBA Draft and will head back to college, meeting the NCAA’s withdrawal deadline of 11:59 p.m. ET tonight.
Stojakovic, a 6’7” senior-to-be, announced his decision on Twitter. During the draft combine, he said he was fully committed to exploring the professional route but continued to weigh a return to Champaign. “The goal is to get back to the Final Four and push for a national championship,” he told reporters that week.
After transferring from California, Stojakovic averaged 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists in his first season with the Illini, shooting 50% from the field but just 24.4% from three-point range. ESPN’s latest mock draft had him slated at No. 50; another college season could help him bolster his perimeter accuracy and climb into first-round territory.
Richmond’s withdrawal was confirmed by agent Bill Duffy to Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68. The 6’5” junior averaged 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists across 37 games, earning SEC All-Defensive Team honors. ESPN projected Richmond as the 53rd pick.
Players who remain in the draft past tonight’s deadline forfeit their NCAA eligibility.
Source: Hoops Rumors
