Four Top Prospects—Okorie, Veesaar, Evans, Kayil—Confirm They’re Staying in 2026 NBA Draft

Four standout prospects are staying in the 2026 NBA Draft as the Early Entry Combine continues. Ebuka Okorie from Stanford, Henri Veesaar from North Carolina, Isaiah Evans from Duke and German import Jack Kayil have all announced they will remain eligible for the draft this year.

Okorie, a 6-foot-2 point guard, was a standout freshman for the Cardinal. He averaged 23.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game. His 46.5% field goal shooting and 83.2% free throw accuracy highlight his efficiency and scoring consistency.

Veesaar, a 7-foot big man from Estonia, had a breakout season for North Carolina as a junior. He averaged 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 61% from the field and 42.6% on three-pointers.

Isaiah Evans, a 6-foot-6 wing for Duke, doubled his production in his sophomore season. He averaged 15 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, shooting 36% from beyond the arc on 7.4 attempts per game.

Jack Kayil, a 6-foot-5 guard from Germany, played 50 games with Alba Berlin last season after a year in Serbia. He averaged 12 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, showing his versatility as a playmaker and scorer.

Each of these players brings a different skill set to the draft board. Okorie’s scoring and playmaking at the point guard position could attract teams looking for a lead ball-handler. Veesaar’s size, shooting and basketball IQ make him a potential stretch forward or center in the NBA. Evans’ ability to create his own shot and shoot from the perimeter gives him NBA wing upside. Kayil’s European experience and all-around game could make him a sleeper pick in the later rounds.

The decision to stay in the draft is a bold one, especially with the Combine still in full swing. These players now face the challenge of impressing NBA scouts and executives with their performance and combine workouts.

The next major deadline is May 30, when all Early Entry Candidates must be contacted by NBA teams. That date will determine which players will be eligible for the draft and how teams plan their selections in June.