Allen Graves Considers LSU or Duke Amid 22nd‑Pick NBA Draft Projection

Allen Graves says LSU and Duke are his only transfer options while projecting as the 22nd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He thanked God, family and Bronco Nation and confirmed he will stay in the draft if selected in the first round.

Graves entered the transfer portal on April 10 and told ESPN he has only discussed moves to LSU and Duke, noting Kentucky contacted his agents but remains a lower priority. He is a 6‑foot‑9, 225‑pound forward from Santa Clara.

He announced his intent to join the 2026 NBA Draft on April 7 and is attending the pre‑draft combine. Under NCAA rules he can withdraw by May 27 and return to college, but he said he would stay in the draft if he lands a first‑round slot.

His older brother Marshall played for LSU under coaches Johnny Jones and Will Wade, both of whom are now back on the LSU staff, adding a family tie to the program.

ESPN’s latest mock draft places Graves at No. 22 overall, with the Philadelphia 76ers as the projected suitor. That slot would guarantee a first‑round selection and a guaranteed contract.

Recruiting services rank him highly among transfer portal players: 247Sports lists him fourth, The Athletic sixth and On3 sixteenth. His redshirt freshman season at Santa Clara saw averages of 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks while shooting 51.2% from the field and 41.3% from three.

If Graves chooses LSU or Duke, he would join programs with recent NBA draft success and strong coaching staffs, potentially boosting his visibility before the draft. Staying in the draft, however, locks in his NBA timeline and removes the college eligibility safety net.

LSU’s current roster for next season includes four transfers, indicating the program is actively rebuilding its frontcourt. A commitment from Graves would address a need for a versatile wing who can rebound, defend and shoot.

Watch for Graves’ official decision by the May 27 deadline and any subsequent draft workouts that could shift his projection.