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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →For a college player, reaching the NBA Draft means clearing NBA eligibility rules, deciding whether to enter early, tracking two different withdrawal deadlines, completing required evaluation steps if invited, and waiting through a two-round selection process. Being eligible to enter does not guarantee selection, and the order is determined by NBA rules—not by a ranking of colleges.
First, meet the NBA’s eligibility threshold
For U.S. players, the NBA/NBPA’s 2024–25 CBA 101 summary says a player must be at least 19 by the end of the calendar year in which the draft is held and at least one year removed from high school. The NBA/NBPA CBA 101 summary describes this NBA threshold.
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That is separate from eligibility to keep playing college basketball. A player can satisfy the NBA’s entry rule while still needing to make a separate decision under NCAA rules about whether to withdraw from the draft and retain college eligibility.
Decide whether to enter as an early-entry candidate
A college player who is not automatically eligible may file as an early-entry candidate. Filing puts the player into the draft process; it does not ensure that a team will select them.
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The 2026 cycle illustrates why annual dates must be checked rather than assumed: the NBA reported 71 early-entry candidates that year. That is a count for the 2026 draft, not a typical annual figure. NBA announcement of 2026 early-entry candidates.
Track the NBA and college withdrawal deadlines separately
For the 2026 draft, the NBA said early-entry candidates could withdraw from NBA consideration by notifying the league in writing by 5 p.m. ET on June 13. College players who wanted to retain NCAA basketball eligibility had to withdraw by May 27. The dates served different purposes: missing the NBA deadline meant remaining in that draft’s pool, while the earlier NCAA deadline governed college eligibility. The NBA’s 2026 announcement states both deadlines.
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Those dates have passed and are not standing annual deadlines. Players should use the current draft cycle’s NBA and NCAA rules and confirm the relevant process with their school compliance office; the NBA deadline is not a substitute for the separate college-eligibility deadline.
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Understand the NBA Draft Combine
The NBA describes its Draft Combine as a week-long evaluation gathering that includes skill drills, scrimmages, official measurements, and opportunities to meet team officials. The NBA Draft FAQ explains the event.
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Combine invitations also carry an obligation. The NBA/NBPA CBA 101 summary says invited players must attend and participate, including in medical testing. An invited player who is not excused and does not fully participate is not eligible to be drafted. NBA/NBPA CBA 101.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens on draft night
The draft has two rounds, with teams making selections in order. In its 2026 FAQ, the NBA described that year’s draft as a two-night event: the first round was June 23 and the second round June 24. Those are historical 2026 dates, not a schedule for a future draft. NBA Draft FAQ.
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How selection order is set
For 2026, the NBA said the lottery determined the first 14 first-round selections. The remaining first-round positions and the second-round order followed reverse regular-season record, subject to pick ownership and other rules. The NBA Constitution and By-Laws set out the governing lottery and selection framework. NBA Draft FAQ; NBA Constitution and By-Laws.
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Draft picks can be traded. As a result, the team making or owning a selection may differ from the team associated with the pick’s original position; neither is a reflection of the player’s former college. The player is selected by an NBA team, not by a college ranking.
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