2026 NBA Draft: Koa Peat and Milan Momcilovic headline 10 prospects who should return to college basketball

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- Labaron Philon returned to Alabama just before the 2025 NBA Draft withdrawal deadline, then boosted his stock to a projected lottery pick for the 2026 draft.
- Morez Johnson Jr. announced he will stay in the 2026 NBA Draft, after helping Michigan win a national title and being projected as a top‑15 pick.
- Koa Peat is ranked 18th on the CBS Sports NBA Draft Big Board; his stock slipped after a weak shooting showing at the combine, prompting speculation he may return to Arizona for another season.
- Milan Momcilovic is highlighted as one of ten prospects who could benefit from another year of college basketball before the May 27 withdrawal deadline.
- Thomas Haugh is another Florida forward identified as a top returner who could boost his team's championship odds by staying in college.
Why it matters: College programs like Arizona and Florida stand to gain a top‑20 talent and a premier forward, boosting their championship odds, while NBA teams may see a weaker draft class and must adjust scouting before the May 27 withdrawal deadline.

