Every spring, college hoops fans enter what can only be described as a basketball version of “Will they or won’t they?” as top talents make their NBA Draft decisions.
Let’s break down exactly when college basketball players can declare for the NBA Draft, the key rules to follow, and why this window is one of the most exciting off-court dramas in sports.
2025 NBA Draft Order, Key Dates, and More
The 2025 NBA Draft is set for June 25–26, and for the second year in a row, it’ll be a two-night event. Round 1 will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on June 25.
Meanwhile, Round 2 will be hosted at the NBA’s new headquarters at One Manhattan West on June 26. The split format was introduced in 2024 to give second-round picks a moment in the spotlight—and it’s here to stay.
Before that big night, though, players have to decide whether or not to enter the draft, and here are the important milestones they need to hit.
Important Dates for 2025 NBA Draft Hopefuls
- April 26, 2025: Deadline to declare for early entry into the NBA Draft
- May 9–11, 2025: NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago
- May 11–18, 2025: NBA Draft Combine (also in Chicago)
- May 12, 2025: NBA Draft Lottery (determines first 14 picks)
- June 15, 2025: Deadline for early entrants to withdraw and retain NCAA eligibility
- June 25–26, 2025: 2025 NBA Draft in New York
These dates will dictate when college coaches will know if their roster is returning intact or if they’ll need to hit the transfer portal like it’s Black Friday.
How the Declaration Process Works for the NBA Draft?
Let’s get into the weeds. A men’s college basketball player becomes eligible for the NBA Draft if he has either completed four years of eligibility, graduated from college, or declared early as an underclassman.
To declare early, a player must submit written notice to the NBA by April 26 this year. This declaration doesn’t automatically mean they’re leaving school for good. Thanks to the NCAA’s rules—especially those updated in recent years—players can declare for the draft and still maintain college eligibility, but only under certain conditions.
They can keep that door open by doing one of the three options.
- Sign with an NCAA-certified agent. These agents are different from traditional pros. They guide players through the process while keeping college eligibility intact.
- Avoid accepting money or benefits that violate amateur status
- Withdraw from the NBA Draft by June 15, 2025
This setup lets athletes test the waters and receive feedback from NBA teams. They then decide whether to stay in the draft or return to school, possibly as stars with better draft stock next year.
Before 2019, working with an agent was basically the end of your college career. But today? Players can sign with NCAA-certified agents, who are cleared by the NCAA to help guide them through workouts, feedback, interviews, and more. This is a game-changer.
These agents offer players a sense of professionalism and preparation without locking them into a decision too early. If a player isn’t feeling the draft buzz—or receives feedback like “second-rounder at best,” for example—they can pull out and go back to dominate the NCAA one more time.
Players who want real-time evaluations and opportunities to improve their draft stock must attend the NBA Draft Combine. Held from May 11–18, this event gives NBA scouts and executives a hands-on look at talent through drills, scrimmages, interviews, and athletic testing.
There’s also the G League Elite Camp from May 9–11, an event for fringe prospects to prove they belong. Top performers can earn a surprise invite to the main Combine.
Then comes the NBA Draft Lottery on May 12, which determines the order of the top 14 picks. For players and fans alike, it’s the NBA’s version of Christmas morning—will your team finally get the first overall pick and land that generational talent?
MORE NBA DRAFT DETAILS: When Is the 2025 NBA Draft? Date, Draft Order, and More
Finally, players must make their choice to stay in the draft or return to college by June 15.
As the June 25–26 NBA Draft dates approach, keep your eyes on the early entrants list. You never know which college standout will be next to rise, withdraw, or return for another unforgettable NCAA season.
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