My fellow draft nerds and NBA Draft enthusiasts:
We are now halfway through the college basketball season and with just under five months to go until the 2026 NBA Draft it is abundantly clear that we are witnessing one of the elite draft classes in modern history.
We’ve known for about two years that this would be a good draft class but the prospects at the top of the class continue to exceed expectations and a number of other prospects have risen into elite territory, bolstering this already strong group.
The biggest story line of the draft is the historically strong freshmen class. This is a group of players who came into college basketball with high expectations and have more than lived up to the hype. The superstars at the top of the class seem to all play with a chip on their shoulder and have brought an awesome level of intensity to college basketball. And many new and exciting prospects have emerged as big-time talents with lottery aspirations.
An Elite Freshman Class
This freshman class was shaping up to be one for the ages even before the emergence of a few unexpected stars, such as Keaton Wagler and Kingston Flemings. These freshmen have taken over college basketball with skill-sets that are more advanced and refined than what we’ve seen in recent years.
We’re used to seeing the top of the draft being dominated by freshmen but this season is different. Not only are there more freshmen than usual likely to be selected in the lottery and in the first round but there are also more who look like future NBA stars.
On draft night we can expect that most of the lottery picks will be freshmen…possibly even as many as a dozen freshmen getting drafted in the top 14. It is truly a special group.
The Big Three Might Be A Big Five
For many moons we’ve talked about the big three of Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameroon Boozer but over the first half of the college basketball season UNC forward Caleb Wilson and Houston guard Kingston Flemings have made strong cases for being listed up there with the elite prospects in this class, making it a big five.
Caleb Wilson has always had the tools and the natural talent but he came into his freshman season at UNC with a big chip on his shoulder, looking to prove to the nation that he’s a star. His game has looked far more advanced than expected and he’s been flashing some big wing skills with some open court ball handling ability, live dribble passing and a tasty turn-around jumper. He probably still goes after the big three on draft day but in terms of pure upside I’d rank him near the top of the list.
Meanwhile Kingston Flemings is having a monster freshman season for the Cougars. He’s incredibly dynamic with the ball in his hands and can get into the lane at will. He’s also shooting the ball extremely well from outside, even though the form doesn’t always look great. The combination of his athletic ability, his talent and the fact that he plays such an important position means he could be in the conversation in the top 3 on draft day.
The Battle For No.1
I’ve been steady (or stubborn) with holding Darryn Peterson at no.1, despite his nagging leg injury that has slowed him most of the season. While the leg injury is a bit of a concern, it’s likely a passing thing that won’t hinder his NBA career. And even with his current lack of explosiveness he’s still able to get where he wants on the court and is as talented of a scorer as we’ve seen in many, many years.
But DP does have some fierce competition for the top spot in the draft, mainly coming from powerhouse wing/forward AJ Dybantsa. The 6-9 BYU bully has the type of physical ability combined with intensity to take over games and he’s been hugely impressive this season. He started the year strong and has only gotten better as he’s adjusted to the college game. He’s right there in the mix for the top spot in the draft and any team drafting in the top 2 should be elated. There is a bit of concern about how his game will translate (will be become more consistent from 3, will he get to the line as often in the NBA?) but overall he’s a hugely impressive prospect that would be the no.1 pick in some draft years.
I know that some people have Cam Boozer no.1 on their board and I get the appeal but for me he’s pretty clearly my no.3 prospect. He’s going to have a monster NBA career but I’m not sure he’ll be a true superstar like the two mentioned above, or possibly like Caleb Wilson and Kingston Flemings.
Point Guards Galore
After superstar combo guard Darryn Peterson (Kansas) there are a handful of big time talents at the point guard or combo guard position(s).
Kingston Flemings (Houston) has been a revelation, rising from the second round of my preseason mock (and from off most draft boards) into the top half of the lottery. The 6-3 Houston human-highlight-reel has been unbelievably efficient and productive so far this season and easily passes the eye test with his blow-by ability and complete scoring package. He’s also an impressive play-maker who makes great reads and some awesome live-dribble passes. It’s hard to imagine him falling past pick no.5.
Keaton Wagler (Illinois) has gone from obscurity to assuredly being a first round pick with high lottery potential. The wiry 6-6 guard from Illinois has been the teams best player this season and has been the most surprising player in the country. He’s not an elite athlete but gets to his spots with good handles and a herky-jerky style of play. He’s also a lights-out shooter who can get red-hot from downtown. He’s a stud.
Mikel Brown (Louisville) had been mocked near the top 5 for a while but he’s having some ups and downs and has been slowed by a back injury. His draft stock has taken a bit of a hit but there’s still a chance that he finds his groove over the second half of the season. I think he’s still a lottery level talent but has more to prove than the other point guards in that range.
Labaron Philon (Alabama) is developing into a maestro at the point guard position. He’s always been an impressive athlete and a feisty defender but the steps he’s taken as a lead guard who can orchestrate the offensive have been really impressive. He’s also becoming a deadly 3pt shooter with an overall well-rounded offensive game.
Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas) started the season a bit lower on my mock draft, coming in just outside the lottery, but he’s been really good for the Razorbacks so far and is looking like one of the best guards in the class. He’s not the biggest guy out there but makes up for it with really good strength, broad shoulders and an aggressive style of play. He’s a gamer and winner who is the clear leader on the court. Getting a PG like this later in the lottery would be a big win for a NBA team.
Bennett Stirtz (Iowa) was really high on my pre-season big board but has fallen off a bit, despite having a solid start to his Iowa career. He’s a versatile guard who can play on or off the ball and is just a really smart, heady and talented player. The one area of his game that is lacking is his ability to pressure the rim. He doesn’t have a great first step or blow-by ability and probably won’t ever be a dynamic athlete. Despite this area of weakness I still see him as a high level prospect who could be a really nice piece to a winning team at the NBA level. He might not be who I thought he was pre-season but he’s still a really nice prospect.
Christian Anderson (Texas Tech) has been on a heater recently and is flying up draft boards. He lacks ideal size but is incredibly talented and is just a baller. He’s a first rounder in my eyes.
Ebuka Okorie (Stanford) is another one of the breakout stars of this college basketball season, Okorie is a scoring machine who looks to be in complete control of the offense when he’s on the floor. He’s a bit undersized at about 6-2 but is a big time talent. He’s flirting with first round territory on my board and could also be a candidate to return and get a monster NIL bag.
Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt) is even more undersized but even more dynamic and explosive with the ball in his hands. He’s likely under 6-feet tall barefoot but has long arms and is an impressive above the rim finisher for such a small dude. He’s got NBA potential but perhaps even bigger NIL potential.
Plus there are a number of upperclassmen like Braden Smith (Purdue) and Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State) who could be solid second round picks.
Dribble-Pass-Shoot Guards And Wings
The teams drafting at the top of the lottery will be taking a long look at the point guards (after the big five) but in the second half of the lottery and into the mid first round there are a handful of intriguing shooting guards/wings who could fill an important need for a contending team. If you already have your stars in place, surrounding them with big time shot-makers is key and this class has some lights out shooters:
Braylon Mullins (UConn) missed the beginning of the season and is still finding his comfort zone but he’s an elite shooter with good size and he instantly passes the eye test with how he moves on the court. He’s not an overly explosive athlete but is a great off the ball mover and has a jumper that looks like it was created in a lab. Could he end up as the best shooting Mullin(s) in NBA history??
Cameron Carr (Baylor) has a combination of elite shot-making and above the rim play that you don’t find everyday. He’s got a nice looking release on his jumper and is deadly accurate from downtown. He’s a good mover who glides around the court and is an impressive above the rim player, thanks in part to his massive 7-2 wingspan. While he might not be the most creative on-the-ball player he has clear NBA tools and a very clear NBA role. I think he could be more coveted on draft night than some expect.
Nate Ament (Tennessee) is an enigma. The sweet-shooting slow-footed big wing has an elite high school pedigree and a tool-set that makes NBA scouts drool but the concerns about his lack of speed and lack of ability to pressure the rim are real. After a miserable start to his Tennessee career he’s starting to figure it out and assert himself more on the court. I’ve been a bit harsh on Ament in my mocks but he could easily rise back into the lottery with a strong second half of the season and during the draft process.
Brayden Burries (Arizona) has some combo guard abilities but I see him as more of an off-ball player, at least early in his NBA career. He started the year off slow but is really coming into his own for the best team in the land. He’s a bit older for a freshman but still has plenty of upside and room for growth in his game. When his shot is falling he’s such a dangerous player.
Milon Momcilovic (Iowa State) is lethal. When it comes to just pure outside shooting there aren’t any better in the country and very few better on Planet Earth than Mr. Milon Momcilovic. He’s as slow as a glacier and as one-dimensional as a piece of paper but hot-damn that boy can shoot. To be fair, he has improved his frame and has stepped up more on the defensive end this year but really, when it comes to his NBA skills, he’s a shooting specialist.
Meleek Thomas (Arkansas) is a sniper. He’s got some wiggle with the ball and is wired to score from anywhere on the court but his deadliest bread and butter (to mix metaphors in a dangerously delicious way) is his 3pt shot. Some might say he’s an empty calorie scorer who isn’t efficient with his shots but I think he’s a bit underrated in that regard and is a solid passer as well. Plus he does a few nice things on the defensive end. He might not be as pure of a scorer as a Cam Thomas but he does more on the court than Cam.
Isaiah Evans (Duke) seems to have a wide potential draft range, with some pundits liking him in the teens while some see him as a second rounder. I’m more towards the latter, seeing him as more of specialist than a complete wing. He’s a possible candidate to return to school.
A few more shooting/scoring wings to keep an eye on are Juke Harris (Wake Forest) and Keyshawn Hall (Auburn).
High Energy Forwards And Wings
Koa Peat (Arizona) might not have superstar upside but he’s so solid, effective, efficient and poised on the court that I think he’ll be playable right away and could have some sneaky star power if the 3pt shot continues to improve. He can dominant opposing forwards thanks to his incredible strength and he’s also a really heady player who makes the right reads and doesn’t force the issue.
Thomas Haugh (Florida) looks like a valuable role player at the next level. He’s a do-it-all forward who hustles all over the court and impacts both ends. He’s showing an improved 3pt shot but still has plenty of room for growth.
Yaxel Lendeborg – (Michigan) One of the leading candidates for national player of the year, Yaxel is an older prospect who comes with a lot of polish to his game and he should be able to step on a NBA court right away and contribute. The question is whether he tops out at an Obi Toppin level or can rise to Pascal Siakam heights.
Karim Lopez (Mexico) – more on Karim Lopez below.
Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor) had a lot of top 10 buzz coming into the season after a stellar finish to his HS career but he’s looked a lot less polished than expected during his freshman season at Baylor and looks pretty far from being NBA ready. He’s got elite physical tools and is a hard worker, two traits that bode well for his NBA career, but it might be a few years before he’s really ready to shine. To me that sounds like a mid teens to early twenties selection, rather than the lottery (especially in this very strong draft class).
Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State) has been putting on a clinic this season, showing off his all around game, his poise, play-making and polish. He’s not the sexiest pick but some NBA team will be very happy to have him on the roster.
JT Toppin (Texas Tech) is a dominant force in college but his NBA projection is as a high energy bench big/forward who will come in and do all the dirty work and mix it up in the paint. We usually see NBA forwards and bigs make big improvements in their 3pt shot during their career but I’m not sure Toppin will ever be much of a shooter.
Amari Allen (Alabama) has been a revelation this season for the Tide and looks the part of a NBA level role player. He’s a heady player who thinks the game at a high level and has excellent basketball instincts. I like him in the 25-40 range.
Dailyn Swain (Texas) seems like one of those prospects that could slip between the cracks and fall to the mid/late second round but when we look back on this draft in 5 years he’ll be returning first round value. He’s got all the tools but the ball skills have been a bit slow to develop. But maybe he’s just a bit of a late bloomer who will find his handles and his outside shot with the help of NBA training.
Centers Of Attention
I wrote extensively about the 2026 center prospects here so I won’t repeat myself. The long and short of it is this: The center position is one area of the draft that is somewhat softer than the rest and I have some big questions about each of the top prospects.
Check out the article for my full thoughts.
Freshmen That Could Use Some More Time
As awesome as this freshmen class has been there area also a number of big name freshmen who will be tempted to enter the 2026 draft but would be better served to stay in school, get the NIL money and continue to develop their games at the college level. These freshmen could provide more depth in the second round of the draft if they do declare but would provide a big boost to a lackluster 2027 draft class if they return.
A few of these guys could find their footing over the next few months, finish the season strong and end up as legit 2026 prospects but most will likely be in next year’s draft. This group includes:
Cayden Boozer (Duke)is the biggest name and most recognizable player on this list. Cayden would likely be drafted in the second round if he declares this year and will have an interesting stay/go decision in April. He has a lot of work to do on his outside shot but even without shooting it, he’s still an impactful player. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him running the show for Duke again next season.
David Mirkovic (Illinois/Montenegro) is a rugged rebounder with good strength but lacking top end speed and agility. His ability to space the floor raises his value.
Shelton Henderson (Miami) is a dominant physical force who is impressive going to the rim, Henderson would get drafted if he comes out this year but another year in school developing his perimeter game would do wonders for his draft stock.
Omer Mayer (Purdue/Israel) is a baller but probably isn’t a this year guy. Look for Omer to take over the reigns for the Boilermakers next season and be one of the top lead guards in the land.
Dwayne Aristode (Arizona/Netherlands) is a bruising big wing with a good looking 3pt shot, Aristode should be a more featured player for the Cats next season.
Malachi Moreno (Kentucky) is a big and very skilled but heavy-footed center who could become a force upfront with another year or two of college ball.
Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame) is a super versatile big guard/wing. I’m a big fan of his game and could see him coming out this year but another year in school could lift him into the first round conversation.
Isiah Harwell (Houston) is a likely multi-year college player with a NBA future, Harwell should be a bigger part of the Houston rotation next year.
Nikolas Khamenia (Duke) has had an up and down season for Duke so far and would be well served to stay in school, possibly for a few years. He’s a highly skilled offensive player but isn’t a big time athlete and will struggle to stay in front of NBA wings.
Shon Abaev (Cincinnati) is an impressive shot-maker with size on the wing who could get first round looks next season.
Sadiq White (Syracuse) is one of the best athletes in the land with clear NBA tools but needs some more seasoning. If he can add the necessary weight and improve his outside shot he’ll have a long NBA career.
Matt Able (NC State) is an impressive athlete with a streaky 3pt shot, Able has really enticing tools and should be in the first round conversation next season.
Mario Saint-Supery (Gonzaga/Spain) – is a feisty floor general who plays with great energy and shows good consistency as a shooter, Mario isn’t the biggest or most physically imposing player but is tough and plays with a lot of heart. Has quick hands and good anticipation on defense and enough strength to hold his own against 1’s and 2’s.
Other freshmen with NBA potential who need more seasoning include: Sebastian Williams-Adams, Ivan Kharchenkov, Johann Grunloh, Kiyan Anthony, Kohl Rosario and London Jemison
Limited International Imports
After years of exceedingly strong groups of international prospects the past two years have been somewhat softer. As we all know most of this is due to the fact that many international prospects are coming to the U.S. earlier in their careers to play high school and college ball. This has been awesome for college basketball but has left the “true international” prospect group weaker than it previously was.
On the lists below I divide the international prospects into two groups: First, the top 5 true international prospects and second, the top 11 international prospects playing in the U.S. For the second list I’ll include prospects who came over to the States during high school or later (not players like Yaxel etc.).
I love making these international lists because it’s been fascinating to watch the growing trend of international stars impacting the NBA and to see how the game of basketball has expanded around the globe over the past three or four decades (and now I feel really old…).
Top 5 International Prospects For The 2026 NBA Draft
- Karim Lopez – SF/PF – NBL (Mexico) – Lopez is a big bodied forward who plays a power and a skill based game. He doesn’t have super high end speed or lift but is effective at using his big frame to get to the rim and create space for his jumper. He’s a solid 3pt shooter who is making steady improvements and projects as a good floor spacer.
- Miikka Muurinen – SF/PF – Partizan Belgrade (Finland) – Muurinen seems to be leaning towards entering the 2027 NBA Draft but since he is draft eligible this year I’m including him on this list. He’s a very intriguing high-energy wing/big forward who shows flashes of big time ability.
- Dash Daniels – PG/SG – NBL (Australia) – For me Dash Daniels is 1a, right up there with Lopez as the best of the international prospects, especially when it comes to upside potential. He’s not has polished in some ways and is more of a defensive-minded player at this point but it’s easy to see a path for him becoming a very good NBA guard/wing and one of the top perimeter defenders in the league, just like his older brother. He might be a second contract guy who takes some time before making his mark in the league.
- Sergio de Larrea – PG – Spain – A likely second round pick, Sergio is a tall lead guard who is very crafty with the ball and has a nice feel for orchestrating the offense.
- Mouhamed Faye – C – Paris (Senegal) – A defensive anchor with big time tools but a limited offensive game. Faye is a possible second round pick who could develop into a bench big who can come in and defend and rebound the ball.
Stay tuned for a more extensive list of international prospects (including my thoughts on Oscar Wembanyama) coming soon. I will link that article here.
Top 11 U.S. Based International Prospects For The 2026 NBA Draft
While the list of “true” international prospects is weaker than usual there are many high-end international players already playing in the U.S. Here’s a look at the top 11:
- Hannes Steinback – PF/C – Washington (Germany) – Sturdy, steady and productive on the glass, Steinback is one of the top centers in the class, with all the tools to be a solid starting center in the NBA.
- Neoklis Avdalas – PG/SF – Virginia Tech (Greece) – Neo is one of the most exciting prospects in the 2026 draft as a big 6-9 ball-handling guard/wing with excellent court vision, passing instincts and a game that seems to be well suited for the modern NBA.
- Tounde Yessoufou – SG/SF – Baylor (Benin) – Tounde is a bit of an enigma, as a powerhouse of an athlete who shows glimpses of unstoppable ability but often looks very far away from being NBA ready.
- Henry Vessaar – C – North Carolina (Estonia) – Vessaar is one of the few centers in college basketball that I’m higher on than most. He’s not going to be a star in the NBA but he does a lot of things at a high level, is a solid passer and is becoming a really good floor spacer. I like him mid first round.
- Aday Mara – C – Michigan (Spain) – I was guilty of being waaaaay too high on Mara a few years ago when he first made the move from Spain to UCLA. He’s not the prospect I thought he was but he has been making major strides with his game and is regaining some draft buzz. I think it would be awesome for him to stay for his senior season and continue to work on his frame and his athleticism. He could make an even bigger move up draft boards next year if he does return to school.
- Massamba Diop – C – Arizona State (Senegal) – An impressive mover for a 7-footer with very clear NBA level tools. Is a bit older for a freshman but appears to have plenty of upside left to develop.
- Tomislav Ivisic – C – Illinois (Croatia) – I was also really high on Tomislav but he’s fallen down my draft board this season and is now sitting in mid second round territory.
- Flory Bidunga – C – Kansas (Congo) – I love Flory as a college player and as a longer term prospect. I don’t know if he’ll return much value on his rookie contract but I think he’ll have a very long NBA career and will keep getting better and better over the years. He could be a nice second contract player.
- Motiejus Krivas – C – Arizona (Lithuania) – Krivas has made steady improvements each year and is starting to shape-up into a NBA-level center. He might not be a starter in the league but he could have a long career.
- Rueben Chinyelu – C – Florida (Nigeria) – The junior big man is a very high level rebounder and interior defender with a very raw offensive game.
- Alex Condon – C – Florida (Australia) – Condon is a solid player who is good at a lot of things but doesn’t really stand out in any one way.
Super Solid Upperclassmen And Plenty Of Depth
The mid first and second round range of the draft gets a lot of added strength from this group of upperclassmen. Most of these guys will be drafted and a bunch will stick in the league.
Yaxel Lendeorg, Bennitt Stirtz, Joshua Jefferson, Alex Karaban, Keyshawn Hall, Richie Saunders, Ryan Conwell, Bruce Thornton, Emmanuel Sharpe, Milos Uzan, Jaden Bradley, Braden Smith, Chase Ross
There are at least a dozen more draftable prospects that add depth to the class. We’re now a few years into the new NIL rules and the affect it’s had on college basketball is that it has deepened the talent pool significantly. We’re seeing more and more fringe first rounders decide to stay in school and we’ve also seen more international talent come to play college ball. This all adds up to a ton of talent in the college ranks and a very deep and talented pool of talent for the 2026 NBA Draft.
This Is The One We’ve Been Waiting For
If you’re a fan of the NBA Draft you live for draft classes like this one. This class has a bit of everything including a battle at the top to be the first pick, some sleeper prospects that have come out of nowhere to crash the lottery party, plus there are a ton of high-upside freshmen, solid upperclassmen and some very exciting small guards.
If your favorite NBA team is lottery bound this year then this is a draft that could bring in a new face to the franchise. It’s as strong of a draft class as I’ve seen in my time covering the draft (17 years) and when it’s all said and done it could be right up there with the great drafts of the past, such as 2003 and 1984.
Stay tuned for lots more coverage of this historically strong draft class over the coming five months, leading up to June 24th!
Here’s my latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft
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