While much of the early hype for the international prospects of this draft cycle focused on the “Next Star” pipeline from Australia, the latest declarations (and non-declarations) have pivoted the focus back to the traditional big-man factories of Europe. A number of the top names on this list played college ball this past season but are originally from Europe, while a few are just now coming over to the United States to pursue their basketball dreams.
The Dash Daniels Deferment
It was a bit of a surprise that Dash Daniels declined to enter the 2026 draft. The younger brother of Dyson Daniels was once projected as a lottery pick, however, after an up and down season with Melbourne United in which he averaged just 4.1ppg on 42% shooting, Dash is choosing to stay in the NBL for another year. I had him as a likely second rounder this year, thinking some team would take a flyer his defensive upside, but now he’ll have a chance to take the next step forward in his development with another NBL season, and better position himself for the 2027 draft.
The Rise of the Euro Mega-Giants
That headline sounds like a B-rated movie about dinosaurs battling Norse Gods on icy mountain slopes but it applies to the 2026 NBA Draft thanks to a handful of highly rated European 7-footers, two of whom played for Mega Superbet in the ABA.
All five of the centers listed below have first round potential and perhaps even some hidden star upside.
1) Aday Mara – 7-3 – Spain (Michigan)
After a hugely successful season at Michigan the huge Spanish center is a likely lottery pick in June. Mara has rare passing vision and ability for a player his size and nice scoring touch as well. He’s got good mobility, protects the rim well and is becoming a high level defender as he adds strength and grows into his frame. I feel like there’s some boom or bust potential with him, as he could be an awesome offensive hub at the next level, or a guy who has some trouble with NBA speed, but either way I think he’s worth the gamble in the 8-15 range of the draft.
2) Hannes Steinbach – 6-11 – Germany (Washington)
After leading the NCAAs in rebounding with Washington the young German big man is a sure-fire first rounder with lottery potential. I like him to the Warriors or the Thunder in the late lottery, or to the Bulls just after that. He’s a very fluid mover and a high energy player who runs the floor as well as any big man in the draft. He’s got great hands, good touch around the rim and an emerging perimeter game. I don’t see him as a future superstar but I think he’s got a high floor and will be a very valuable contributor to a NBA team. He’s not the biggest name outside of draft circles but NBA fans should welcome him with open arms, if your team drafts him.
3) Luigi Suigo – 7-4 – Italy (Mega)
The massive 7-4 Suigo has officially declared for the draft and scouts are salivating. Suigo isn’t just a space-eater; he’s a mobile, modern big who has been shooting up big boards this season and could continue to rise during the draft process. He’s a smooth player who has some ball skills and can space the floor with a nearly impossible to block shot. He moves incredibly well for his height and has shown legitimate floor-spacing flashes.
He’s got work to do on the defensive end and with getting tougher on the boards but that should come in time, as he grows into his frame, adds muscle and matures as a player. I currently have Suigo mocked in the mid twenties of my latest mock but I think there’s a real chance he rises up from there.
4) Henry Veesaar – 7-0 – Estonia (North Carolina)
The stone cold Estonian projects as a late first to early second round pick. I like him as a first big off the bench type of player who could develop into a starter down the road. He’s a good mover, a very good 3pt shooter and shows some nice passing vision as well. He needs to continue to bulk up to hold his own in the paint but his floor spacing ability and BBIQ should get him on the court.
5) Pavle Backo – 6-11 – Serbia (Mega)
Backo, the 19-year-old Serbian center who just declared for the draft after a dominant run in the ABA U19 league, is sometimes compared to a young Nikola Jokic. He wears #15, plays for Mega, and has a stature that mirrors the Joker. While comparing anyone to the 3-time MVP is dangerous, Backo’s passing feel and point-center tendencies could make him a darling of the draft process.
At this point I have Backo falling into the second round but he seems like the type of prospect that could continue to rise throughout the draft process and could end up a lot higher come June 23rd. I need to do some more work on Backo but I get the feeling he’s a sleeper who could really rise.
Other names to watch are power forward Alexandros Samodurav of Greece, Sergio De Larrea, a point guard from Spain and combo guard Jack Kayil from Germany.
African Wings And Bigs
There are also a handful of talented wings and bigs from Africa that are likely to be in this draft. Tounde Yessoufou (Benin) and Flory Bidunga (Congo) have both declared for the draft but have also entered the NCAA transfer portal. They have until May 27th to make their stay/go decisions.
Keba Keita (Mali) could be an interesting late draft pick or UDFA. He’s a one dimensional offensive player, scoring exclusively around the rim, but he’s a high energy guy who can really impact the defensive end and hit the boards. Bassala Bagayoko (Mali) is a talented PF/C who has been playing in Spain. After looking like a very promising prospect early in his career injuries have slowed him down. A NBA team could take a flyer on him late in the draft.
Karim Lopez Is A Stud
I think it’s easy to overlook what Lopez has done in his two NBL seasons. His game isn’t the most flashy and isn’t filled with high flying dunks but he’s a rock solid wing who has the frame to hold up to contact and the versatility to do a bit of everything on the court. He moves really well for a big forward and is a developing play-maker and initiator who shows some really nice flashes. His 3pt shot isn’t consistent enough yet but looks good and shows plenty of promise. I feel like NBA teams could be higher on Lopez than the internet consensus and we could see him go in the mid/late lottery.
Je Ne Sais Pas – No French Flavor
After years of exceptional French flavor entering the league through the draft this year the cupboards are bare. The French connection will be back in affect next year as the 2027 NBA Draft will feature at least a few promising French prospects.
European 7-Footers For The Win
While it’s not a super strong international class the nice group of 7-footers from Europe really strengthen the big man group. I think Mara will be the first off the board (or maybe Steinbach) but watch for Suigo and Backo to rise during the draft process. These prospects fit the mold of how the NBA is trending with talented bigs that have ball skills and can do a lot more than just bang in the post.
The first “true international” prospect off the board could still be Karim Lopez (NBL, Mexico) but overall the international prospects in this class will carry some heavy European accents.
Thanks for reading! Check out my latest 2026 mock draft