College Basketball’s Big Winners: 7 Programs That Benefited from NBA Draft Withdrawals

The 2024 NBA draft withdrawal deadline has come and gone, and college basketball programs are reaping the benefits. With top players opting to return to school, several programs are poised for a successful 2024-25 season. Here are seven programs that won big, thanks to the NBA draft withdrawals.

College basketball is back, and it’s bigger than ever!

Arizona: A Pac-12 Powerhouse

Caleb Love, the Pac-12’s best player last season, is returning to play for Tommy Lloyd. This is a huge boost for the Wildcats, who are looking to dominate the conference.

The Arizona Wildcats are ready to take on the Pac-12.

Kentucky: A New Era Begins

Mark Pope desperately needed players to come back from the draft to play for him. He got his wish, with a core group of players, including Andrew Carr (Wake Forest), Lamont Butler (San Diego State), Koby Brea (Dayton), Amari Williams (Drexel), and Jaxson Robinson (BYU), set to take the court in Lexington.

The Kentucky Wildcats are reloading for the 2024-25 season.

Arkansas: A New Coach and a New Era

The Razorbacks are not only getting Hall of Famer John Calipari as coach, but they’re also getting heavy hitters who withdrew from the NBA draft, including Trevon Brazile, Jonas Aidoo (Tennessee), and Johnell Davis (Florida Atlantic).

The Arkansas Razorbacks are ready to take on the SEC.

Baylor: A Duo of Stars

Former Duke point guard Jeremy Roach and former Miami forward Norchad Omier withdrew from the draft to play under coach Scott Drew. This duo is set to lead the Bears to a successful season.

The Baylor Bears are looking to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Kansas: A New Scorer in Town

Wisconsin’s leading scorer last season, AJ Storr, is now a Jayhawk, and he’s looking to make an impact in Lawrence.

The Kansas Jayhawks are looking to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

UConn: The Reigning Champs

Forward Alex Karaban returns after withdrawing from the draft as the Huskies try to win a third consecutive national championship.

The UConn Huskies are looking to three-peat as national champions.

Alabama: A Duo of Returnees

Mark Sears and Jarin Stevenson return to play for the Crimson Tide after withdrawing from the 2024 NBA draft as Alabama hopes for another Final Four run.

The Alabama Crimson Tide are looking to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

These seven programs are poised for a successful 2024-25 season, thanks to the NBA draft withdrawals. With top players returning to school, college basketball is shaping up to be an exciting season.