Main Story: Duke’s Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, UCLA’s Nikola Kusturica and Texas’ Marcus Spears Jr. are too young to enter the 2027 NBA Draft. NBA rules require players to turn 19 during the draft year, so all three must wait until 2028—giving their college teams a rare chance to keep highly touted prospects for at least two seasons.

By the Numbers
  • NBA draft age minimum: 19 during the calendar year of the draft.
  • Spears turns 18 on April 18, 2027; Kusturica on April 30; Boumtje Boumtje on May 30.
  • Boumtje Boumtje scored 19 points in 22 minutes in Duke’s exhibition win over Belmont.
Yes, But

Being ineligible for the 2027 draft could extend their college careers, but it doesn’t guarantee a smooth path to the NBA. Development, playing time and injuries can reshape a prospect’s outlook, as former Arizona State and Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance’s injury-shortened season illustrates.

State of Play
  • All three are expected to be major contributors, with Boumtje Boumtje and Kusturica projected to start.
  • Spears is expected to play a key role at Texas, though his starting status is undecided.
  • Kansas freshman Tyran Stokes is projected as the top pick in 2027; the three ineligible prospects could be central to the 2028 draft conversation.
What's Next

The trio’s first college seasons will show how quickly they adapt to the U.S. game and what their NBA potential looks like. Their performances could make the 2028 draft a major focus well before they become eligible.

Bottom Line

The age rule turns a draft setback into a rare college-basketball storyline: Duke, UCLA and Texas get more time with three high-upside talents, while fans get a longer look at prospects who might otherwise be one-and-done.