NIL Money Is Changing the Game: Why College Basketball’s Best Are Staying in School for 2025

College basketball is getting a big boost this year, and fans are excited! According to a recent post by Jonathan Givony from DraftExpress, only 106 players entered the 2025 NBA Draft. That’s the lowest number of early entrants since 2015, down from a high of 363 in 2021. This drop happened just before the NCAA’s NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era began, which allows players to make money while in college. Myron Medcalf from ESPN added that this is a game-changer, helping top college basketball players (CBB) earn more money compared to what they might get as late first-round picks in the NBA Draft. Let’s break down why this matters and who’s staying for the upcoming season.

Why Players Are Staying in College

The NIL rules, which started in 2021, let college athletes make money from sponsorships, endorsements, and other deals. Before this, many players left school early for the NBA, hoping to start earning a paycheck. But now, stars can stay in college, make good money, and keep improving their skills. Medcalf pointed out that top earners in college are making more than some late NBA Draft picks. Plus, staying longer gives players more time to develop, which is better for their future in basketball. This trend is a win for everyone—players, teams, coaches, and even the NBA, which benefits from more polished talent.

Top Returning Players to Watch

With fewer players leaving, here are some key returners (excluding freshmen) for the 2025-26 season:

- Yaxel Lendeborg (Forward, Michigan): A senior transfer from UAB, Lendeborg is a versatile 6-9 forward who can do it all—pass, dribble, shoot, and defend. He’s a First Team talent after a historic 30-20-8-0-4-5 stat line in the AAC tournament.

- JT Toppin (Forward, Texas Tech): A sophomore, Toppin returned with a $4 million NIL deal, making Texas Tech a championship contender after jumping 19 spots in ESPN’s early rankings.

- Braden Smith (Guard, Purdue): A junior, Smith averaged 15.8 PPG and is the Big Ten’s preseason player of the year, helping Purdue hit No. 1 in early rankings.

- Trey Kaufman-Renn (Forward, Purdue): A senior, Kaufman-Renn led Purdue with 20.1 PPG, making them a top title contender alongside Smith.

- Richie Saunders (Guard, BYU): A junior, Saunders averaged 16.5 PPG, boosting BYU 10 spots in ESPN’s rankings with his scoring.

What This Means for College Basketball

With fewer players leaving early, college teams will keep more of their best talent for the 2025 season. Schools like Purdue and Duke are likely to have stronger rosters. This means fans can expect more exciting games and bigger rivalries. Coaches will have more time to work with their players, building better teams. For the NBA, this trend could lead to stronger draft classes in the future, as players arrive more prepared. Overall, college basketball is set to have a thrilling season with more stars sticking around to shine on the court.

A Bright Future Ahead

The drop to 106 early entrants for the 2025 NBA Draft is a clear sign that college basketball is becoming a better option for young players. The NIL era is helping talent stay, grow, and succeed. This is great news for fans who love watching their favorite teams compete at a high level. Get ready for an amazing season full of talent and big moments!