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Okorie declares for NBA draft - Printable Version

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RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - TonyLima - 05-12-2026

(05-11-2026, 03:36 PM)SkiBum80 Wrote:  I've already accepted that Okorie is gone.
As I think it's for sure he's drafted in some round.
And I just can't imagine any realistic scenario where's drafted and yet decides to reject it and return to LSJU.
If he doesn’t like his draft position, the portal is next. Agree he’s gone.

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - PalmTree - 05-12-2026

(05-11-2026, 03:36 PM)SkiBum80 Wrote:  I've already accepted that Okorie is gone.
As I think it's for sure he's drafted in some round.
And I just can't imagine any realistic scenario where's drafted and yet decides to reject it and return to LSJU.

Well somewhat can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that if Ebuka's actually drafted, he's no longer college-eligible and returning wouldn't be an option, period.  He can return if he's undrafted, or if he withdraws from draft consideration by midnight, ET on the27th of this month.

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - BobK - 05-12-2026

Just reading about this and agree either way palm tree
Plus pretty sure Okorie didn’t enter the portal

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - 2006alum - 05-12-2026

(05-12-2026, 10:53 AM)TonyLima Wrote:  
(05-11-2026, 03:36 PM)SkiBum80 Wrote:  I've already accepted that Okorie is gone.
As I think it's for sure he's drafted in some round.
And I just can't imagine any realistic scenario where's drafted and yet decides to reject it and return to LSJU.
If he doesn’t like his draft position, the portal is next. Agree he’s gone.

He could change his mind, of course, but he's previously told the coaching staff if he isn't drafted (because he withdraws not liking his likely position) he's returning to Stanford. And we are holding aside a honey pot of NIL money until he decides. Could change his mind, of course, but that's the plan as of now.

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - Goose - 05-12-2026

(05-12-2026, 01:39 PM)2006alum Wrote:  
(05-12-2026, 10:53 AM)TonyLima Wrote:  
(05-11-2026, 03:36 PM)SkiBum80 Wrote:  I've already accepted that Okorie is gone.
As I think it's for sure he's drafted in some round.
And I just can't imagine any realistic scenario where's drafted and yet decides to reject it and return to LSJU.
If he doesn’t like his draft position, the portal is next. Agree he’s gone.

He could change his mind, of course, but he's previously told the coaching staff if he isn't drafted (because he withdraws not liking his likely position) he's returning to Stanford. And we are holding aside a honey pot of NIL money until he decides. Could change his mind, of course, but that's the plan as of now.
Unfortunately there is no way to really know what your draft position will be. I am sure that there are teams that are saying something like "If you are still on the board when we pick, we will draft you". However, he can't hold them to that. If some other very skilled player unexpectedly slips to said teams pick, they very understandably may not keep their promise. That is just part of the system. Therefore withdrawing would only make sense if nobody indicated they would draft him in the first round. From what little we know from mock drafts that isn't the case, so IMO it is virtually certain he will not withdraw from the draft.

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - CompSci87 - 05-12-2026

A mock draft isn't the same as an actual team expressing interest. So there could be hope despite a mock draft putting him in the first round. Not a lot of hope.

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - BostonCard - 05-12-2026

(05-12-2026, 01:39 PM)2006alum Wrote:  
(05-12-2026, 10:53 AM)TonyLima Wrote:  
(05-11-2026, 03:36 PM)SkiBum80 Wrote:  I've already accepted that Okorie is gone.
As I think it's for sure he's drafted in some round.
And I just can't imagine any realistic scenario where's drafted and yet decides to reject it and return to LSJU.
If he doesn’t like his draft position, the portal is next. Agree he’s gone.

He could change his mind, of course, but he's previously told the coaching staff if he isn't drafted (because he withdraws not liking his likely position) he's returning to Stanford. And we are holding aside a honey pot of NIL money until he decides. Could change his mind, of course, but that's the plan as of now.

I believe the portal is closed, so unless Stanford changes coaches, he’s either getting drafted or playing at Stanford.

I think that there is a pre-draft evaluation process that can provide feedback to athletes via the Undergraduate Advisory Committee (UAC). I found this memo and FAQ in the interwebs describing the process (it also describes when a player can come back).  It is dated 2024, so things may have changed.

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/enforcement/2024ENF_NBAMemo.pdf

Quote:The NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee is composed of NBA team executives who will provide a confidential projection of a potential draftee’s likely draft position.

It provides a range of positions (eg, lottery, first round outside lottery, early second round, late second round, undrafted)

BC

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - Mick - 05-12-2026

They make more money from NIL. 60 underclassmen and 11 international students have declared for the NBA draft, down from 106 last year and are at their lowest early entry level since 2003. If they want to withdraw, they have 15 more days to do it.

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - JJJ - 05-13-2026

Okorie says he will stay in the draft.

Espn story

76lsjumb - 76lsjumb - 05-13-2026

(05-13-2026, 12:45 PM)JJJ Wrote:  Okorie says he will stay in the draft.

Espn story

I prefer not to believe everything I read on the Internet…

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - fullmetal - 05-13-2026

(05-13-2026, 12:45 PM)JJJ Wrote:  Okorie says he will stay in the draft.

Espn story

No reason not to believe him at this point.  His success is indirectly Stanford's success, as far as I'm concerned.  Hope he finishes his degree at some point in the future after a lengthy, successful professional career.  Would love to say hi at an alumni event and hear stories.

RE: 76lsjumb - SkiBum80 - 05-13-2026

(05-13-2026, 01:18 PM)76lsjumb Wrote:  
(05-13-2026, 12:45 PM)JJJ Wrote:  Okorie says he will stay in the draft.

Espn story

I prefer not to believe everything I read on the Internet…

I agree. With what you just wrote. And I just read. On the internet.
That being said, I would not be surprised if Okorie slips some in the draft from what some expect.
And will have to prove himself as being underestimated all over again, like he did for us this year.

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - Hieronymus - 05-13-2026

The big question is can he drive effectively in the pros despite only being 6’ 1.25”? He only needs one team to take the chance, but as a result the projections I have seen are pretty wide. Anywhere from 16 (the ringer) all the way into early-ish rd 2 (ESPN 38). I still most typically see 26-30 in rd 1, but who knows? It’s definitely a bit of a gamble. Second rd picks often don’t get much of a shot at least early in player’s careers; so I admit I am a bit surprised he didn’t decide to stay.

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - Goose - 05-13-2026

(05-13-2026, 06:33 PM)Hieronymus Wrote:  The big question is can he drive effectively in the pros despite only being 6’ 1.25”? He only needs one team to take the chance, but as a result the projections I have seen are pretty wide. Anywhere from 16 (the ringer) all the way into early-ish rd 2 (ESPN 38). I still most typically see 26-30 in rd 1, but who knows? It’s definitely a bit of a gamble. Second rd picks often don’t get much of a shot at least early in player’s careers; so I admit I am a bit surprised he didn’t decide to stay.
Staying will not make him grow. He will still be 6' 1.25". It is also quite possible that next year his numbers will be well down from this year. Teams now know his skill set and can defend him better. In 2025 nobody knew who he was. That is certainly no longer true. It is also unclear how good Stanford will be next year. Stanford may be "good" but in a way that Okorie gets fewer shots and therefore fewer points. Stanford may also be bad and Okorie is double-teamed everywhere he goes. In an absolute best-case scenario Okorie could solidify his stock as a middle first round pick. He isn't big enough IMO to ever be a 1-15 choice.
 
He may already be a middle first round pick. Weighing the possible down sides against the benefits I can see good reason to go to the NBA now. Worst-case he should be an early second round pick. These days lots of those players are getting guaranteed money. Not nearly as much as a first-round pick, but still "substantial". Since it is never possible to be absolutely sure where you will be drafted rolling the dice now is IMO "safer". The odds are against Okorie having a better year next year than he did this year. Even if he does, things won't change all that much in next year's draft.

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - Hieronymus - 05-14-2026

(05-13-2026, 08:18 PM)Goose Wrote:  
(05-13-2026, 06:33 PM)Hieronymus Wrote:  The big question is can he drive effectively in the pros despite only being 6’ 1.25”? He only needs one team to take the chance, but as a result the projections I have seen are pretty wide. Anywhere from 16 (the ringer) all the way into early-ish rd 2 (ESPN 38). I still most typically see 26-30 in rd 1, but who knows? It’s definitely a bit of a gamble. Second rd picks often don’t get much of a shot at least early in player’s careers; so I admit I am a bit surprised he didn’t decide to stay.
Staying will not make him grow. He will still be 6' 1.25". It is also quite possible that next year his numbers will be well down from this year. Teams now know his skill set and can defend him better. In 2025 nobody knew who he was. That is certainly no longer true. It is also unclear how good Stanford will be next year. Stanford may be "good" but in a way that Okorie gets fewer shots and therefore fewer points. Stanford may also be bad and Okorie is double-teamed everywhere he goes. In an absolute best-case scenario Okorie could solidify his stock as a middle first round pick. He isn't big enough IMO to ever be a 1-15 choice.
 
He may already be a middle first round pick. Weighing the possible down sides against the benefits I can see good reason to go to the NBA now. Worst-case he should be an early second round pick. These days lots of those players are getting guaranteed money. Not nearly as much as a first-round pick, but still "substantial". Since it is never possible to be absolutely sure where you will be drafted rolling the dice now is IMO "safer". The odds are against Okorie having a better year next year than he did this year. Even if he does, things won't change all that much in next year's draft.

1. He is guaranteed to get paid in college. Not necessarily true in the draft.
2. This is a very deep draft class. 28 this year might be 18 next year.

That said I expect Okorie has better information then we do - heck he may have assurances of being drafted by one or more teams. But as I said, it’s a gamble.

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - Goose - 05-14-2026

(05-14-2026, 04:28 AM)Hieronymus Wrote:  1. He is guaranteed to get paid in college. Not necessarily true in the draft.
True. He knows what Stanford is willing/able to pay him for sure. In the NBA draft first round as I understand it the contracts are guaranteed money for two years with team options for two subsequent years. That "slot" money will be greater than what Stanford can pay even if he is the last man selected in the first round. As I pointed out, recently the top few second round picks have received guaranteed money, although obviously less than first round picks. It is possible that Stanford can pay that kind of money, but I don't know exactly how much. Okorie undoubtedly does though. Below this level is not guaranteed. I wonder if it would "work" to request every team to NOT draft him if it is after e.g. pick 36. That way he could return to Stanford. Otherwise if somebody drafts him anyway they will be drafting a disgruntled player, not something any team would want.
Quote:2. This is a very deep draft class. 28 this year might be 18 next year.
IMO that matters much less for Okorie than it would for most players. He is a "niche" choice. He is short enough that he is always going to be vulnerable to getting posted up by taller guards. In college he may be able to compensate by being more athletic. That won't be true in the NBA. It is definitely true that the defense he has shown in college won't cut it in the NBA. While that is true of most college draft choices, their "platform" is higher. Anyone who drafts Okorie is looking for "instant offense" and not a player that plays most of the time in most of the games. If that is what a team wants, he is a good choice. IMO in a "weak" draft teams that are reduced to drafting "the best available athlete" won't be choosing him in any case.
Quote:That said I expect Okorie has better information then we do - heck he may have assurances of being drafted by one or more teams. But as I said, it’s a gamble.
Agree. Even the better information Okorie has is undoubtedly somewhat "soft". It depends on who is left on the board when any given team is "on the clock". That will always make it a gamble, even if nothing else does :-).

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - DC 86 - 05-14-2026

Quote:Agree. Even the better information Okorie has is undoubtedly somewhat "soft". It depends on who is left on the board when any given team is "on the clock". That will always make it a gamble, even if nothing else does :-).

Almost a decade ago there were reports about a team reneging on a guarantee, and even that situation was somewhat ambiguous. As a rule NBA teams never renege on a guarantee because the reputational harm is too great; relationships with the agent community would be irrevocably damaged. If Okorie has a firm verbal guarantee it's soft in the sense that it can't be enforced legally, but you can bet on it being honored.

If the board shakes out in completely unexpected ways then teams will make draft night trades to take advantage without dropping guarantees that have been made.

RE: Okorie declares for NBA draft - Goose - 05-14-2026

Quote:Agree. Even the better information Okorie has is undoubtedly somewhat "soft". It depends on who is left on the board when any given team is "on the clock". That will always make it a gamble, even if nothing else does :-).

(05-14-2026, 05:33 PM)DC 86 Wrote:  Almost a decade ago there were reports about a team reneging on a guarantee, and even that situation was somewhat ambiguous. As a rule NBA teams never renege on a guarantee because the reputational harm is too great; relationships with the agent community would be irrevocably damaged. If Okorie has a firm verbal guarantee it's soft in the sense that it can't be enforced legally, but you can bet on it being honored.
I can understand that a "firm verbal guarantee" not being honored would be a big black mark on the team that did such a thing. However I think the "somewhat ambiguous" caveat about the previous similar actions will always be present. The "guarantee" will always be somewhat qualified. The team wants it to sound like a 100% commitment even though it is actually only 99.5%. The athlete is free to over-interpret it slightly. Once the athlete can no longer withdraw from the draft, teams really have no reason to provide guarantees other than to keep players "happy". The player has little choice but to take what he gets. Given the business aspects of the NBA today I doubt any real "handshakes" are out there.
Quote:If the board shakes out in completely unexpected ways then teams will make draft night trades to take advantage without dropping guarantees that have been made.
They will if they can. Of course, they may not be able to do so. Trading up may be impossible, especially if the team right in front of you just did something unexpected and a windfall just fell in your lap. Even getting an additional slot in the first round to "fix it later" may be impossible (or too expensive). The team will then be in a position where if they "honor" their word they forgo a better opportunity. I am guessing that most teams in such a position will find a way to justify to themselves that the "ambiguity" is sufficient. This situation is rare enough that it isn't something GMs stay up nights thinking about, but I am less sanguine than you are that they will "do the right thing".