Leaving College Early Could Cost Prospects Millions

Three underclassmen who missed the first round—Isaiah Evans, Henri Veesaar and Meleek Thomas—are expected to be drafted early in the second round, costing them roughly the rookie minimum ($1.36M) in Year 1 versus a first-round deal and its guarantees. Others who stayed in college, like Milan Momcilovic, could see substantial NIL-era earnings (roughly $6–7M next season), illustrating how NIL and a fifth year of eligibility have shifted the math around leaving school. The piece argues that if you can secure NBA money with minimal risk, you should take it, but the choice is personal and outcomes vary.