LSU target Graves to remain in NBA Draft

By Matt Moscona

Allen Graves will remain in the NBA Draft, passing on an opportunity to continue his college career at his home state school LSU.

Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress first reported the news.

NEWS: Santa Clara’s Allen Graves is staying in the 2026 NBA Draft, he tells DraftExpress.

Graves, a projected top-20 pick, swept WCC Freshman, Sixth Man and Defensive Player of the Year honors, turning down significant NIL offers to start his pro career. pic.twitter.com/NddltJVG4G

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 26, 2026

Graves was Louisiana Mr. Basketball in 2024 after starring at Ponchatoula. The 6-foot-9 forward redshirted at Santa Clara during his freshman season before breaking out this year.

In addition to being named First Team All-West Coast Conference, he was the league’s Freshman of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year. In 35 games, Graves averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Despite declaring for the NBA Draft on April 7, Graves entered his name in the transfer portal. He reportedly considered lucrative NIL offers from Duke and LSU but instead will begin his pro career.

ESPN’s most recent mock draft projected Graves as the 22nd pick.

LSU has added five players via the transfer portal and another handful of international players for his first season back in Baton Rouge.