There are a couple of weeks left before the deadline for NBA draft applicants to withdraw and return to college. Interestingly, one big name in this year’s draft class is viewed as someone who could and should take this option.
As per insider Brett Siegel, Arizona’s Koa Peat has come up in conversations within multiple NBA front offices. According to Siegel, a number of scouts and executives are of the mindset that Peat “should return to Arizona for his sophomore season rather than remain in the NBA draft.”
Back on April 24, Peat declared for the NBA draft following the Wildcats’ Final Four run. During Arizona’s postseason stint this year, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 17.2 points per game on 48.5% FG shooting, along with 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
Mock drafts currently have Peat as a late first-rounder, with his combination of size, physicality, and inside scoring touted as his strengths. However, there are concerns regarding his shooting, which he’ll need to fine-tune if he wishes to thrive in the NBA.
When Peat participated in the NBA draft combine, the doubts concerning his perimeter prowess appeared to be confirmed, as he lacked consistency as a shooter. It remains to be seen, however, whether he will seriously consider forgoing the 2026 NBA draft to get more work done at Arizona.
“He’ll Make More Money at Arizona”: Kevin O’Connor Weighs in on Koa Peat’s NBA Draft Prospects
As for analyst Kevin O’Connor, returning to college and withdrawing from the NBA draft is the way to go for Koa Peat.
“Koa Peat can obviously do whatever is right for him but I think he’ll make more money at Arizona and better position himself for the draft a year from now. Weaker 2027 class so could easily lead to lottery status next year,” O’Connor tweeted.
With NIL deals proving to be a viable source of income for college players, Peat can certainly come up with more than one reason to do a U-turn at this point in time.
