Prior to the 1971 Draft, college underclassmen were not eligible to be drafted until their college class graduated.

Twelve players withdrew their names from the draft last week, leaving 27 college underclassmen, high school and foreign players eligible.

Of the 37 prospects, 27 are college underclassmen, 8 are international players and 2 are high school teenagers.

This was the first draft where college underclassmen were allowed to enter.

Before the draft, six college underclassmen were declared eligible for selection under the "hardship" rule.

This draft marked the first time that the first three selections were college underclassmen.

The two players were among five college underclassmen who made announcements pertaining to the draft a day before the deadline.

Stern's comments came 48 hours before college underclassmen and high school players could officially declare themselves eligible for the June 27 draft.

Before the draft, 18 college underclassmen and 2 high school players were declared eligible for selection under the "hardship" rule.

But he did question the indignation being expressed about the decisions made by college underclassmen and high school players.