Brief history of early entry rules for the NBA draft
1971: Underclassmen could enter the NBA draft if they gave evidence of "hardship"
1976: Hardship requirement was dropped and international players who declared had to be in the calendar year of their 18th birthday. Underclassman had to notify the league they were entering the draft 45 days before the draft and withdraw a week before the draft.
2006: Players have to be 19 in the calendar year of the draft and at least one year removed from high school. Players must notify the league they're entering the draft 60 days before the draft and withdraw 10 days prior to the draft.
2009: The NCAA mandates players must withdraw from the NBA draft to retain their eligibility by May 8. (The 2010 draft is June 24.)
About the Author