If you scan the mock drafts and big boards across the world wide web you see a fairly close consensus about who the top prospects are and many familiar names in the top 60 or top 100 on the draft boards. Today I want to look at 7 prospects from outside the most common top 100 names, who I think have sneaky 2026 (or future) NBA Draft potential.
Nick Martinelli – SF – Northwestern – Sr. – Despite leading the Big Ten in scoring last season Martinelli rarely appears on mocks and big boards and doesn’t get much national attention. He’s got a game that doesn’t look like it would translate to the next level, as a mid range and in 6-7 scorer who scores on a bunch of funky push shots and awkward layups and jumpers. Yet he’s very effective at what he does, plays a hard-nosed style of play and could earn his way onto a NBA roster with his unique style of play. At this point I have him ranked outside the top 60 but wouldn’t be surprised to see his name rise over the course of the season.
Tyler Bilodeau – PF – UCLA – Sr. – Another player who doesn’t have a super clear projection to the NBA game but is very effective at his role in college, Bilodeau plays a physical brand of basketball and has a knack for putting the ball in the basket. At 6-8 or 6-9 with average athleticism he doesn’t have ideal big man size or combo forward speed but he just knows how to get it done on the court, is fundamentally sound and plays within himself. I doubt he gets drafted but he could be a guy who works his way to some NBA minutes at some point in his career.
Tamin Lipsey – PG – Iowa State – Jr. – If Lipsey were a few inches taller he might be getting first round buzz but 6-0 guards are a tough sell these days, even if they have good strength like Lipsey does. He’s likely to stay in school through his eligibility and make a lot of money doing so, then he could get a look from NBA teams after next season. He’s another player who is a long-shot to be drafted but has a toughness and a talent level to him that is very intriguing.
Brandon Garrison – PF/C – Kentucky – Jr. – If you’ve read my work in the past you know that I’m a big Brandon Garrison fan – and I just can’t quit believing that he has a NBA future. The junior big man is rock solid but doesn’t really standout in one area of the game. He’s very likely to stay through his senior season and could get a look from NBA teams after next season. He’s the type of big that just quietly does the big man things, rebounding, defending in the lane, running the floor and finishing in the lane. Kentucky has higher upside PF/C’s but Garrison should be a steadying presence for them and provide good minutes next to and in relief of JQ and freshman Malachi Moreno.
Maikcol Perez – SF/PF – Baylor – Fr. — The sturdy freshman swing-man from Italy brings a ton of versatility and talent to the Baylor Bears program. He’s got a strong build, smooth athleticism and a lot of offensive talent. He can handle the ball in the open court and is incredibly crafty with his dribble, his footwork and getting to the rim. He’s got some passing chops and a nice feel for the game. The Bears have some upperclassmen depth in the front court and on the wing so it remains to be seen how much playing time Perez will get but he should get some run and show some flashes this year. He’s very young for his class and is probably more of a 2027 or later prospect but he’s certainly one to keep an eye on.
CJ Ingram – SF – Florida – Fr. – There are so many big names and talented players on the Gator roster that it’s easy to forget about the talented freshman swing-man CJ Ingram. In year one he’s likely to see spot minutes behind the older more experienced players but expect him to show some nice flashes and end up being a bigger part of the rotation next season. I think there’s a small chance he gets the minutes and shows enough to get drafted this year but he is more likely a next year guy.
Trayson Eaglestaff – SG – West Virginia Sr. — The North Dakota State transfer brings his high scoring game to West Virginia for his senior season and could start to get more national attention this year. He’s a very good shooter with a nice feel for the game, especially on the offensive end. He’s a solid but not great athlete and plays more of a skills based game. As with the other players on this list he’s somewhat of a long-shot to get drafted but that’s the point of this post, to list some deep sleeper prospects who could surprise to the upside.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the college basketball season! It’s so good to have basketball season back!!