NCAA Sets Deadline For College Basketball Players To Withdraw From 2020 NBA Draft

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The NCAA announced that it has set a deadline for college basketball players to withdraw their names from the 2020 NBA Draft and maintain collegiate eligibility.

According to the NCAA, men’s basketball players have until 10 days after the NBA Draft Combine or August 3, “whichever comes first, to withdraw from the postponed 2020 NBA draft and retain their eligibility.”

“This provides the utmost flexibility to student-athletes testing the waters to make the most informed decision about their future during this uncertain time,” NCAA senior vice president for basketball Dan Gavitt said in a statement. “And by deciding before classes start for the fall semester, it also encourages student-athletes who choose to return to school to be fully engaged in their academic pursuits and the tremendous experience and opportunity to play college basketball.”

The NCAA says draft prospects have until 10 days after the NBA draft combine or Aug. 3, whichever comes first, to withdraw from the postponed 2020 draft.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2020

The deadline was announced by the NCAA shortly after the NBA announced dates for the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery and NBA Draft.

Due to the delayed completion of the NBA season, the NBA moved the 2020 Draft from June 25 to October 15.

In addition to moving the Draft, the league rescheduled the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery to August 25. The Draft Lottery was previously scheduled to take place on May 19.

Locals Players Testing Draft Waters

Two players with ties to the state of Utah has decided to test the NBA Draft waters this off-season. Utah forward Timmy Allen announced his intentions on April 29. Allen had a tremendous start to the season where he averaged over 20 points per game during non-conference. His average dipped to 17.5 points per game when the season ended and was named to the All-Pac-12 second team.

The other player used to have ties to the state in Allen’s former teammate Both Gach. Gach declared for the NBA Draft while still maintaining his college eligibility. He told Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak during the process that if he decides to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and return for his junior season that he will transfer. Gach has since narrowed his list of schools to transfer to down to five, including Maryland, Creighton, Iowa State, Auburn and Minnesota.

The former Utah guard finished his sophomore season in 2019-20 averaging 10.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.