Key prospect withdrawals for NIL deals and development have shifted the board, forcing Sacramento to pivot as projected second-round targets like Amari Allen return to campus.
The Wednesday withdrawal deadline for prospects aiming to retain college eligibility passed, and several players returned to college, changing the Sacramento Kings' draft board.
Players could return to college to continue developing their games or receive more in NIL compensation than a late first- or second-round pick would get paid. Contracts start at under $4 million if a prospect is drafted from the 20th pick onward.
KingsRoundtable has covered various players via the draft profile series. Now, some of those players have returned to the college landscape, and several are listed below.
Jeremy Fears Jr., Guard, Michigan State
Fears Jr., the older brother of New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears, is returning to play under coach Tom Izzo for his junior campaign. The 6-foot-2 guard was the nation's leading playmaker last season, averaging 9.4 assists per game.
ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo projected the Phoenix Suns to select Fears Jr. with the 47th pick. His selection placed him two picks behind Sacramento's 45th pick, but the team has an abundance of guards on the roster.
Andrej Stojakovic, Guard, Illinois
Stojakovic is returning to Illinois for his senior season after helping the Fighting Illini reach the Final Four. He is the son of Kings legend Peja Stojakovic, which serves as an interesting connection to the franchise.
The 6-foot-7 guard is an efficient scorer, despite not possessing the elite shooting stroke his father had. Stojakovic averaged 13.5 points on 50% from the field, contributing at a high level even in a reduced role.
Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor projected the Golden State Warriors to draft him with the 54th pick. A return to school benefited Stojakovic more than becoming a late-second-round selection.
Amari Allen, Forward, Alabama
Allen's return to Alabama for his sophomore season could help grow his game the same way it did for his teammate, Labaron Philon Jr. Philon Jr. went from scoring 10.6 points in his freshman campaign to 22 points in his sophomore year.
O'Connor projected the Kings to draft Allen with their 45th pick. His return to college definitely shakes up the draft board for Sacramento when the second round is underway.
Tyler Tanner, Guard, Vanderbilt
Tanner returns to Vanderbilt for his junior season, joining Washington State transfer guard Ace Glass. The two will form a high-scoring dynamic backcourt in a tough SEC.
The 6-foot guard averaged 19.5 points last season, but his height became a concern for NBA teams during the combine. O'Connor projected Tanner as the 46th pick to the Orlando Magic.
Tounde Yessoufou, Guard, St. John's
Yessoufou returned to college and will transfer to St. John's to play his sophomore season under Rick Pitino. He had a good freshman season at Baylor, but a stacked freshman class overshadowed his performance.
Even projected as the 31st pick in the second round, which could've kept Yessoufou's name in the draft, he decided to return. His three-point shooting percentage must rise to become a lottery prospect.
Other Prospects Who Returned to College
Malachi Moreno (Kentucky), Matt Able (NC State --> North Carolina), Flory Bidunga (Kansas --> Louisville), Billy Richmond III (Arkansas), Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State --> ?)
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
