You can get exemptions based on military service and religion (Mormon missions) but you cant leave college, go play professionally and come back The 2 cases above are different because they never enrolled in college "So then why wouldnt Lebron James be eligible?" He signed document forgoing his NCAA eligibility when he put his name in the draft. Some people dont realize the NBA cant just select anyone they want. You have to select from a list of players who have submitted documentation that eliminates their NCAA eligibility in that sport. Neither of these players have submitted that paperwork. Just like Avdalas and Dorn did not submit that paperwork. All of them played professionally. Aluma didnt need to submit the paperwork (he may have anyway) because his clock ran out the year after he left and he doesnt have a military or religious exemption.