NBA draft decisions: Texas Tech's Anderson, Santa Clara's Graves follow pro plan
NBA draft decisions: Texas Tech's Anderson, Santa Clara's Graves follow pro plan
Field Level MediaTue, May 26, 2026 at 8:48 PM UTC
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Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) dribbles the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (3) in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Texas Tech sophomore guard Christian Anderson and Santa Clara freshman forward Allen Graves are staying in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Both are projected first-round picks.
Anderson lifted his draft stock considerably at the scouting combine earlier this month where he proved consistency and superior range during on-court drills.
He averaged 18.5 points and was tied for fourth in the country with 7.4 assists per game for the Red Raiders last season. ESPN's draft rankings put him in consideration for the lottery (top 14 overall) in next month's draft. A third-team All-American, Anderson shot 41.5% from 3-point range.
He measured at 6-foot-3 but isn't shy attacking the rim thanks to the 40.5-inch vertical verified at the combine in Chicago.
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Anderson announced his decision via social media on Tuesday.
According to multiple reports, Graves is staying in the draft pool as well.
Graves, a 6-foot-9 forward, had a huge impact at Santa Clara after redshirting his first year on campus. He came off the bench primarily and averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season for the Broncos.
His role grew in the second half of the season and Graves took -- and made -- what appeared to be the game-winning 3 against Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in March. But less than a second later, Santa Clara and Graves were left stunned by Otega Oweh's buzzer-beater from just across half court to force overtime. The Wildcats advanced with an 89-84 victory.
Players with eligibility remaining have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday to withdraw from this year's draft and return to school. The draft begins in New York on June 23.
--Field Level Media
Source: “AOL Sports”
