Anshari Taslim
While the initial round largely adhered to pre-draft projections, Day 2 brought several unexpected turns, including the slides of prominent early entrants. Duke’s Isaiah Evans, Arkansas’ Meleek Thomas, and North Carolina’s Henri Veesaar, all of whom opted to leave college early to declare for the draft, experienced significant drops, raising questions about the evolving dynamics between draft stock and collegiate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Veesaar, a skilled big man from North Carolina, notably slipped all the way to pick No. 52, marking one of the more surprising descents of the entire draft. Sources close to the players and their agents indicated that all three could have commanded substantial NIL paydays had they chosen to remain in school, underscoring the high-stakes gamble of early declarations in the current collegiate landscape.
The narrative of the 2026 draft’s conclusion, however, centered heavily on the notable players who remained on the board after the final pick. Among the most prominent names not selected was Houston’s star guard, Milos Uzan. Uzan had made the deliberate decision to bypass the draft in the previous year, returning to school for another season to enhance his draft stock. His senior year at Houston was widely considered a success, as he averaged a career-high 18.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, leading the Cougars to a formidable 30-win season and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Known for his exceptional court vision, tenacious defense, and leadership under coach Kelvin Sampson, Uzan was projected by many analysts as a potential late first-round or early second-round selection. His undrafted status therefore came as a considerable shock, with scouts reportedly questioning his elite athleticism at the NBA level and the consistency of his perimeter shooting, despite his overall collegiate production.
Another significant snub was Kylan Boswell, the dynamic guard who served as an anchor for Illinois’ Final Four roster during the past season. Boswell’s junior year saw him elevate his game, posting averages of 14.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per contest, coupled with improved efficiency from beyond the arc (40.5% from three-point range). His defensive tenacity, high basketball IQ, and clutch play were instrumental in the Fighting Illini’s impressive tournament performance. Boswell was ranked No. 46 on the CBS Sports Big Board, making him the highest-ranked player on the prominent prospect list to go undrafted. Concerns regarding his size for an NBA lead guard and his ceiling as a primary offensive initiator at the professional level were cited by some evaluators, though his overall impact and defensive prowess were rarely questioned. His immediate availability as an undrafted free agent presented an intriguing opportunity for teams seeking a plug-and-play guard.
The phenomenon of talented collegiate players going undrafted is a recurring theme in every NBA Draft, often highlighting the depth of talent available and the subjective nature of team evaluations. For many of these athletes, the immediate aftermath of the draft involves securing a two-way contract or earning an invitation to the NBA Summer League, crucial pathways to continue their professional aspirations. A handful of this year’s snubs have reportedly already finalized two-way contracts with NBA franchises shortly after the draft’s conclusion, signaling that teams recognize the untapped potential in these overlooked prospects. The Summer League circuit, particularly the flagship event in Las Vegas, will serve as a vital proving ground for the remaining undrafted players, offering them a chance to showcase their skills directly to NBA coaches and general managers.
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Among the other notable players who found themselves undrafted despite being ranked on various big boards, several names stood out. Wisconsin’s Nick Boyd, ranked No. 58 on the CBS Sports Big Board, had a stellar senior season leading the Badgers to a competitive finish in the Big Ten. Boyd, a gritty point guard known for his all-around game, efficient shooting, and high motor, averaged 16.5 points and 5.0 assists. His lack of elite athleticism and being a traditional four-year college player might have contributed to him being overlooked in a draft increasingly focused on high-upside, younger prospects.
Aaron Nkrumah, a shooting guard from Tennessee State, ranked No. 52, represented the mid-major talent that sometimes struggles to break through. Nkrumah had a dominant junior year, averaging 22.1 points and 6.3 rebounds, showcasing prolific scoring ability and good size for his position. However, questions about the level of competition he faced and his ability to translate his game to the NBA’s speed and physicality likely deterred teams.
Keyshawn Hall, a versatile forward from Auburn (No. 54), Nate Bittle, a developing center from Oregon (No. 55), and Rafael Castro, an athletic big man from George Washington (No. 57), were also among the highly-ranked players who went undrafted. Hall’s game, characterized by his scoring versatility and physical presence, reportedly raised concerns about his defensive consistency and perimeter shooting. Bittle, a shot-blocker and rim protector, showed flashes of offensive potential but was hampered by injury history and a perceived lack of consistent aggression. Castro, meanwhile, an athletic, developing big, quickly found a landing spot, signing a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The following table outlines the top undrafted players from the CBS Sports Big Board:
| Rank | Player | School | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | Kylan Boswell | Illinois | PG |
| 47 | Milos Uzan | Houston | PG |
| 52 | Aaron Nkrumah | Tennessee State | SG |
| 54 | Keyshawn Hall | Auburn | SF |
| 55 | Nate Bittle | Oregon | C |
| 57 | Rafael Castro | George Washington | C |
| 58 | Nick Boyd | Wisconsin | PG |
| 60 | Quadir Copeland | NC State | PG |
| 61 | Tamin Lipsey | Iowa State | PG |
| 62 | Malik Reneau | Miami | PF |
| 64 | Tucker DeVries | Indiana | SF |
| 65 | Peter Suder | Miami (Ohio) | SG |
| 66 | Cade Tyson | Minnesota | SF |
| 68 | Jaden Henley | Grand Canyon | SF |
| 70 | Noam Yaacov | Israel | PG |
| 71 | Lamar Wilkerson | Indiana | SG |
| 72 | Darrion Williams | NC State | SF |
| 74 | Tobe Awaka | Arizona | PF |
| 75 | Ernest Udeh Jr. | Miami | C |
| 76 | Graham Ike | Gonzaga | C |
| 77 | Elijah Mahi | Santa Clara | PF |
| 78 | Seth Trimble | North Carolina | PG |
| 79 | Chris Bell | California | SF |
| 80 | Melvin Council Jr. | Kansas | PG |
Several of these undrafted players have already secured opportunities with NBA teams through two-way contracts, which allow them to split time between the NBA roster and the team’s G-League affiliate. These agreements represent a critical first step for players who missed out on being drafted, offering a chance to develop within an NBA system while earning a professional salary.
| Player | College/Team | NBA Team | Contract Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AK Okereke | Vanderbilt | Lakers | Two-way | SOURCE (X.com/@shamscharania/status/2069970442203349425) |
| Tre Donaldson | Miami | Heat | Two-way | SOURCE (X.com/@shamscharania/status/2069970767186444458) |
| Josh Dix | Creighton | Thunder | Two-way | SOURCE (X.com/@shamscharania/status/2069973836066341251) |
| Quadir Copeland | NC State | Rockets | Two-way | SOURCE (X.com/@dushawnlondon1/status/2069977703915151505) |
| Rafael Castro | George Washington | Bucks | Two-way | SOURCE (X.com/@dushawnlondon1/status/2069971094895767921) |
| Jaylin Sellers | Providence | Bulls | Two-way | SOURCE (X.com/@dushawnlondon1/status/2069974710381580310) |
AK Okereke, a versatile forward from Vanderbilt, signed a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, bringing his defensive versatility and developing offensive game to Hollywood. Tre Donaldson, a guard from Miami, secured a two-way with the Miami Heat, fitting into their culture of hard work and defensive intensity. Josh Dix, a sharp-shooting guard from Creighton, joined the Oklahoma City Thunder on a two-way, potentially adding another perimeter threat to their dynamic young roster. Quadir Copeland, an energetic guard from NC State, found a home with the Houston Rockets, while Jaylin Sellers, a promising wing from Providence, inked a two-way with the Chicago Bulls. These immediate signings underscore the competitive scramble for undrafted talent and the value teams place on securing prospects they believe can contribute, even if not immediately on a standard roster spot.
The 2026 NBA Draft reinforced the unpredictable nature of professional basketball’s entry point. While the spotlight often shines brightest on the top selections, the journeys of undrafted players like Milos Uzan, Kylan Boswell, and Nick Boyd are just beginning. Their path will now involve proving their worth in Summer League, excelling in the G-League, and seizing every opportunity to demonstrate that they belong in the NBA. History is replete with examples of undrafted players who forged successful, even All-Star, careers, serving as a powerful reminder that the draft is merely one door to the league, not the only one. The determination and resilience of these athletes will be paramount as they embark on the next phase of their professional careers.
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