Even though the 2008-2009 season came to a punctuating end last night in the Lakers 99-86 Game 5 victory over the Magic in the NBA Finals, all 30 general managers and their scouting teams are scrambling to put the pieces together for next season.

Tonight at 5 p.m. ET marked the deadline for early entrants into the June 25 NBA Draft and the beginning of the mad dash to evaluate the remaining players.

Several prominent underclassmen — Wake Forest’s Jeff Teague, Kentucky’s Jodie Meeks, and DePaul’s Dar Tucker — eschewed their remaining NCAA eligibility and entered the draft, while others –Maryland’s Greivis Vasquez, Notre Dame’s Luke Harangody, and Texas’ Damion James — decided to return to their respective campuses to improve their draft stock, and hopefully win an NCAA championship next season.

ESPN’s Chad Ford breaks down the draft’s early entrants and defectors and provides his latest mock draft (ESPN Insider is required to view the entire first round) for all the die-hards to mull over for the next week and a half. However, the draft “experts” at nbadraft.net provide a comprehensive list of who’s going back to class and who will be getting schooled next season in the NBA.

The Twitterverse was abuzz with thoughts on the draft after tonight’s deadline:

1. 
   Dj_Jules7 @chicagobulls Please Pick Chase Budinger!!! He would be a perfect addition. I have been saying this for the past 2 years! 09 Jun 2009 from web
2. 
   Murphdog7 10 days til draft..who will the pacers choose?? Right now i have no clue but my best guess is dejuan blair. Im thinking larry bird is go … 15 Jun 2009 from txt
3. 
   Mike_Ock @alanhahn Tyreke Evans vs. Jennings should be a very interesting workout. Too bad you can’t watch. Are the Knicks taping these workouts? 15 Jun 2009 from web in reply to alanhahn
4. 
   Real_Outsider I’m willing to put money on Ricky Rubio being a bust 15 Jun 2009 from web
5. 
   mattcates Damion James is coming back for his senior year – making my reservations in Indianapolis for the Final Four now 15 Jun 2009 from web
6. 
   truesd good luck jeff teague and james johnson! continue to dominate in the league like other wake players! 16 Jun 2009 from web
   
   

ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb breaks down the draft given tonight’s deadline decisions:

Who should be drafted where? Let us know your thoughts in the comment area below or getting in touch with @BTSports.

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