Anshari Taslim
The phenomenon of college players significantly boosting their draft prospects by returning to school is well-documented. Last summer, CBS Sports accurately identified several such "stock risers" for the 2026 Draft, including Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz, and Alabama’s Labaron Philon, all of whom ultimately heard their names called in the first round. This trend continued from 2024, when Collin Murray-Boyles’ decision to return to South Carolina was highlighted as a strong case for him to become a lottery pick. He subsequently validated that projection, being selected No. 9 overall by Toronto and delivering a standout rookie season in the NBA.
While the 2027 NBA Draft is not projected to possess the historic top-end strength of the 2026 class, it is anticipated to feature a robust first round with numerous impact players. Early names drawing attention include UConn’s Braylon Mullins, Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II, and Alabama’s Amari Allen. The upcoming 2026-27 college basketball season offers a crucial platform for a new crop of players to elevate their profiles. The following ten individuals, in particular, are positioned to maximize their draft stock, potentially transforming into first-round selections for the 2027 NBA Draft, provided their collegiate campaigns unfold as anticipated.
Thomas Haugh | Florida | Forward
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Haugh’s decision to return to Florida for the 2026-27 season represented arguably the most impactful and unexpected retention of the college basketball offseason. Projected by many analysts as a consensus top-20 pick had he declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, his return is considered almost unprecedented for a player of his caliber. Haugh, who averaged 18.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game last season, is a versatile forward whose multifaceted skillset earns him the moniker of a "Swiss Army knife." He is widely regarded as the frontrunner for national player of the year honors and is poised to lead a Florida Gators squad that enters the season as the projected preseason top-ranked team in the nation. With an elevated role as the primary scoring option on a deep and talented Gators roster, another season of development and leadership could solidify his case as a top-10 selection in the 2027 draft.
Braylon Mullins | UConn | Guard
Braylon Mullins is expected to be one of the most recognizable figures in college basketball this season, largely due to his game-winning shot against Duke in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. His heroics underscored his potential as a serious draft prospect, with many analysts projecting him as a late first-round selection had he entered the 2026 NBA Draft. Mullins arrived at UConn heralded for his shooting prowess, and while his freshman shooting percentages (38.5% FG, 34.2% 3P) were not extraordinary, his clutch performances and deep range were undeniable. As he steps into a more prominent primary offensive role this season, his overall draft stock is expected to benefit significantly from increased opportunities to showcase his scoring and playmaking abilities.
Billy Richmond III | Arkansas | Guard/Forward
Billy Richmond III’s decision to return to Arkansas came down to the wire, announced on the final day of the stay-or-go deadline. Richmond is slated to be one of the few veterans in a youthful, yet deep, Arkansas rotation under head coach John Calipari. His athleticism and physical tools already align with NBA requirements, but his perimeter shooting has been a clear area for development, having attempted only 74 three-pointers over his first two collegiate seasons, converting just 23.0% of them. As a focal point on both ends of the floor for an inexperienced roster, Richmond is anticipated to receive a "green light" to expand his offensive game, particularly his long-range shooting. Substantial improvement in this area could transform him into a legitimate Day 1 draft pick. Last season, Richmond averaged 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds, with an emphasis on defensive impact.
Alijah Arenas | USC | Guard
Alijah Arenas enters the 2026-27 season as one of the more polarizing prospects for the 2027 draft. His freshman year at USC was hampered by a knee injury, causing him to miss the initial part of the season. Upon his return for the final 14 games, Arenas demonstrated his scoring capability, averaging 14.1 points in 27.6 minutes per contest. However, his efficiency (40.2% FG, 31.8% 3P) remains an area for improvement to solidify his draft position. Arenas is a key component of a USC roster that is expected to be highly competitive in the Big Ten conference, and an improvement in his shot selection and overall efficiency will be crucial for his next-level evaluation.
Patrick Ngongba II | Duke | Center
Patrick Ngongba II represents a significant returning piece for Duke, part of a series of key retentions secured by head coach Jon Scheyer this offseason. After serving as a backup center on Duke’s 2025 Final Four team, Ngongba experienced a breakout sophomore campaign, showcasing flashes of the potential that earmarks him as a future first-round pick. He is expected to anchor Duke’s defense, leveraging his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. Despite playing on a roster widely considered one of the deepest in college basketball, his nightly impact—particularly on the defensive end and as a reliable interior presence (averaging 9.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks last season)—will be critical for his draft stock, even if his individual statistics do not consistently lead the team.
Milan Momcilovic | Kentucky | Guard/Forward
Milan Momcilovic was arguably the most high-profile transfer of the offseason, making the move to Kentucky. His distinction as perhaps the best pure shooter in college basketball is evidenced by his nearly 50% success rate from the three-point line on over seven attempts per game during his tenure at Iowa State. This elite shooting ability makes his fit within head coach Mark Pope’s offensive scheme at Kentucky a potential "match made in heaven." In early projections, Momcilovic has been positioned towards the end of the first round for the 2027 NBA Draft, a "sweet spot" if his performance maintains its current trajectory. Continued high-level shooting, coupled with improved versatility in other aspects of his game, could solidify his status as a first-round selection. Last season, he also averaged 16.3 points and 4.1 rebounds.
Amari Allen | Alabama | Guard/Forward
Amari Allen possesses the raw potential to become a top-10 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, provided he follows a developmental path similar to that of his former teammate, Labaron Philon. Philon, initially projected as an early Day 2 pick in 2025, returned for his sophomore season and transformed into one of college basketball’s premier guards. Allen, much like Philon, is expected to benefit significantly from another year of collegiate competition. A key determinant for his sophomore campaign will be his performance with increased on-ball responsibilities. As Alabama’s primary offensive option, his freshman three-point shooting percentage of 34.1% (along with 12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds) is an area where substantial improvement will be crucial for his draft evaluation.
Motiejus Krivas | Arizona | Center
In his inaugural season as a full-time starter, Motiejus Krivas recorded career highs across nearly all statistical categories, playing a pivotal role in Arizona’s run to the Final Four for the first time in 25 years. His most significant leap in development occurred on the defensive end, where he emerged as a dominant interior presence, averaging 1.9 blocks per game during his junior season. With Krivas anchoring the paint and disrupting opposing offenses, Arizona is anticipated to be one of the elite defensive teams in the country. His continued defensive impact, combined with his offensive efficiency (averaging 10.5 points and 7.3 rebounds last season), positions him as a high-value prospect.
Shelton Henderson | Miami | Forward
Shelton Henderson’s freshman season, while productive, may have gone under the national radar despite his solid individual statistics. The former five-star recruit, who initially committed to Duke before flipping to Miami following Jai Lucas’s appointment as head coach, is the Hurricanes’ leading returning scorer, having averaged 13.8 points and 6.2 rebounds as a freshman. Miami was a feel-good story last season, reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Lucas’s debut year at the helm. Henderson is projected as a major breakout candidate for the upcoming season, expected to receive significantly more offensive opportunities and a larger role in the team’s overall scheme, which should further highlight his versatility and scoring ability to NBA scouts.
Tounde Yessoufou | St. John’s | Guard/Forward
Tounde Yessoufou posted strong freshman numbers at Baylor, averaging 17.8 points and 5.9 rebounds, but opted to return to college basketball to further refine his game and improve his draft stock. His subsequent commitment to St. John’s was an unexpected development but is anticipated to be one of the most impactful additions of the entire offseason for the Red Storm. Yessoufou possesses the physical tools and athleticism to make a significant jump in his sophomore year, potentially elevating him into the lottery conversation for 2027. His primary area for improvement lies in his perimeter shooting, where he converted under 30% from beyond the arc on over five attempts per game. Despite this, his high-level rebounding at his size and ability to effectively operate as a 6-foot-5 power forward at the collegiate level underscores his unique potential.
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