The 2026 NBA Draft concluded yesterday, and the major second-round storyline was Henri Veesaar.

The North Carolina big man turned down upwards of $5 million to return to school with hopes of being selected in the first round.

Veesaar was ultimately taken 52nd overall by the Los Angeles Clippers, then immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks. Whether it works out in the end remains to be seen, but this "bet on yourself" decision isn't exclusive to Veesaar. Basket Under Review contributor Kevin Sweeney wrote about the nuances that go into each decision over at Sports Illustrated.

Other notable second-round storylines:

Bruce Thornton was the first pick of the second round, going to the Houston Rockets.

John Calipari added to his draft pick total with Meleek Thomas and Trevon Brazile going back-to-back at 34th and 35th overall.

Braden Smith is staying in Indiana after getting selected 38th overall by the Chicago Bulls and traded to the Pacers.

Tennessee teammates Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Felix Okpara were taken 42nd and 46th overall, respectively.

Auburn big man Narcisse N'goy was selected 57th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. He was auto-eligible for the draft as a 2004-born player, but will likely play for the Tigers this season anyway as a "draft-and-stash." The Clippers will own his draft rights this season.

Malique Lewis of the NBL's Southeast Melbourne was the 60th and final pick of the draft.

Go here to follow all the undrafted free agent signings.

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More news and notes:

Pharrell Payne received a medical redshirt and will be eligible to play for Maryland next season.

The Rady Children's Invitational matchups are set: Texas will play Georgetown, and UCLA will play Saint Mary's.

Baylor is hiring Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua as an assistant coach.

The MAC-Sun Belt Challenge will continue through the 2028-2029 season, per a release.

New content at Basket Under Review

Joe Jackson's Champions Rewind series continues with the 2006 Florida Gators.

Upon Further Review

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How Villanova’s Dynasty Started With a Team That Never Cut Down the Nets
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The Basket Under Review Podcast: S1E49 - Dusty May & Reliving the 2005-2006 Season
On the latest episode of The Basket Under Review Podcast, presented by Homefield, Eamonn Brennan and Tate Frazier discuss Dusty May’s move to the NBA and throw it back to 2005-2006. 0:00 Intro 2:00 Dusty May 33:33 Michigan Roster Decisions 43:50 College Coaches to
Basket Under ReviewEamonn Brennan
With Michigan basketball interim role, Mike Boynton has a chance at redemption
With the crowds to his back, Mike Boynton is smiling as he stops to engage in the doorway of the locker room in Lucas Oil Stadium. Of course, he’ll take a second for an interview, he says. He didn’t know it at the time, but it’s perhaps
Basket Under ReviewJoey Dwyer

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