Full Breakdown
Two NCAA Guards Withdraw from 2026 NBA Draft Ahead of Deadline
5/24/2026, 1:14:44 PM
Withdrawal Deadline and Recent Decisions
The NBA’s 2026 Draft is scheduled for June 23, and prospects must decide by May 27 whether to remain eligible. As the deadline approaches, several players have already opted to return to college, including Rueben Chinyelu, Elliot Cadeau, Jacob Cofie and Aiden Tobiason. On May 22, guards John Blackwell and Acaden Lewis announced their withdrawals, adding to the late-season movement.
Player Profiles and College Performance
John Blackwell, a 25-year-old junior guard from Wisconsin, averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 43 % from the field and 38.9 % from three-point range. A former three-star recruit, he earned All-Big Ten honors. Acaden Lewis transferred to Miami after a freshman year at Villanova, where he posted 12.2 points, 5.3 assists, 3 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game, shooting 45.6 % overall and 27 % from beyond the arc.
Combine Measurements and Physical Evaluations
At the NBA Combine, Blackwell measured 6 feet 3¼ inches without shoes and recorded a 6 feet 2¼ inch wingspan. Lewis is listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 180 pounds; analysts note his size may limit his appeal to NBA teams.
Official Announcements
Both players confirmed their decisions through statements reported by CBS Sports reporter Jon Rothstein. Blackwell announced he will withdraw from the draft and enroll at Duke for the 2026-27 season. Lewis announced his return to the collegiate level with Miami, following his transfer from Villanova.
Criticism and Analyst Concerns
Commentary highlights Lewis’s stature as a potential drawback, suggesting his physical profile could hinder his draft stock. Additionally, some observers argue that postponing entry to the 2027 class may be advantageous, as the 2027 pool is perceived as weaker than the 2026 cohort.
Impact on Draft Landscape
The withdrawals remove two experienced guards from the 2026 talent pool, potentially reshaping team strategies in the lottery and early rounds. Their decisions also reinforce the trend of players using the extra collegiate year to improve draft positioning, especially when the upcoming class is viewed as less competitive.
Upcoming Seasons for Duke and Miami
Blackwell will join a Duke roster featuring multiple high-profile freshmen under head coach Jon Scheyer, positioning him for a possible 2027 draft selection. Lewis will compete alongside fellow 2027 prospect Shelton Henderson at Miami, aiming to refine his game before re-entering the draft.
Verbatim Quotes
- “John Blackwell tells me that he will withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft and play for Duke next season.” — Jon Rothstein, CBS Sports reporter
- “— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 22, 2026 Source: Miami’s Acaden Lewis has withdrawn from the 2026 NBA Draft and will return to school next season.” — Jon Rothstein, CBS Sports reporter
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sources provide consistent information regarding the players’ statistics, combine measurements and withdrawal decisions; no contradictory reports were identified overall.
