NBA Draft Prospects to Watch in March Madness: AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Darius Acuff Jr. Among Stars of NCAA Tournament

AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer headline the 2026 draft class, offering teams franchise-altering talent during March Madness.

College legacies are built during March Madness, and those stars are often heard from in a major way at the next level.

The 2026 NBA Draft class is a loaded one, and you get the pleasure of watching them put on a show during the best sporting event going.


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2026 NBA Draft Profiles for March Madness Stars

In PFSN’s most recent 2026 NBA mock draft, the Blue Devils had three players selected, and all three are projected to be first-round picks: forward Cameron Boozer (No. 2 overall to the Indiana Pacers), center Patrick Ngongba II (No. 20 overall to the Toronto Raptors), and Isaiah Evans (No. 21 overall to the Los Angeles Lakers).

Check out PFSN’s scouting report for details on everyone who projects to be a part of this class, courtesy of our NBA Mock Draft Simulator.

AJ Dybantsa: Dybantsa entered BYU with as much hype as any freshman in recent memory, and his early play has backed it up. At 6-foot-9 with a long frame, explosive burst, and the ability to score at all three levels, he embodies the modern two-way NBA wing.

His handle and footwork allow him to create separation, and he can punish defenses both in transition and isolation. With his size, control, and polished skill, Dybantsa looks every bit like a future franchise centerpiece. Dybantsa utilizes both strength and finesse, attacking the rim with power while displaying a smooth pull-up jumper from the midrange.

MORE: Is Nick Pringle Playing in Arkansas vs. Hawaii? Latest Injury Update for the NCAA Tournament Opener

He thrives in space and can facilitate when defenses collapse. Defensively, his quickness and motor make him capable of switching assignments and disrupting plays on both ends. To reach his full potential, he’ll need to find consistency from deep, but his upside and competitive fire make him one of the most exciting prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft class.

Cameron Boozer: Boozer has lived up to every bit of his billing as one of the 2025 class’s elite recruits. At 6-foot-9 with broad shoulders, excellent feel, and an advanced skill set, he combines old-school power with a modern forward’s versatility. The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron scores efficiently from anywhere, whether facing up, backing down, or stretching the floor with a growing 3-point range.

His poise and consistency stand out, giving him the look of a player ready to contribute immediately at the next level. Boozer thrives on fundamentals rather than flash, relying on touch, body control, and basketball IQ to dominate within the flow of a game. He’s comfortable facilitating from the post or attacking closeouts, reads defenses like a veteran, and controls the glass with positioning and strength.

While not super bouncy, his mobility and anticipation make him a sturdy defender across multiple spots. Boozer projects as one of the safest and most well-rounded prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Darryn Peterson: Peterson joined Kansas as one of the most polished guard prospects in recent years. He stands 6-foot-6 with long arms and a strong build, giving him the look of an NBA-ready wing guard.

Despite his age, he already shows the skills of a seasoned scorer. Peterson is a true three-level threat, using his smooth dribbling to create space, scoring well off the dribble, and hitting jump shots with confidence.

His balanced style and smart decisions make him just as effective as a playmaker as he is as a scorer. Peterson uses his length, quick instincts, and discipline to defend several positions and break up passes. He plays with maturity, stays under control, and understands team defense and rotations well.

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What really sets him apart is how he can take over a game without trying to do too much. Peterson is expected to be a top-three pick and could become the cornerstone of a franchise.

Yaxel Lendeborg: Lendeborg is a high-IQ, versatile forward with a relentless motor and outstanding defensive anticipation. At 6-foot-9 with a lengthy wingspan, he fills the stat sheet, rebounding at an elite rate, making plays as a connector on offense, and logging blocks and steals across multiple positions.

Lendeborg excels near the basket with a soft touch and strong frame and shows flashes as a floor spacer and creative passer, though his shooting consistency is still a work in progress. Defensively, Lendeborg’s quick hands, positioning, and ability to disrupt passing lanes make him a valuable asset, though his foot speed against quicker wings could be tested at the NBA level.

He’s a vocal leader and efficient team defender, thriving in help-side and switching schemes. While questions remain about his positional fit and upside, Lendeborg’s all-around production, high motor, and impact on winning project him as a potential steal with clear rotational value.

Kingston Flemings: Flemings is a fast-rising point guard known for his explosive athleticism and playmaking. He combines elite speed with a quick first step and sharp change of direction, consistently pressuring defenses in transition and out of ball screens. Flemings is a natural scorer who can finish above the rim, attacks gaps, and keeps defenses honest with a reliable pull-up midrange game.

His downhill aggression and feel as a passer make him a dynamic threat whenever he has the ball. Flemings competes with energy and confidence on defense, using his quickness and strong hands to disrupt passing lanes and generate steals.

He plays with an edge on both ends of the floor and excels when the pace picks up. To reach his ceiling as a lead guard, improving his 3-point consistency will be crucial.

Darius Acuff Jr.: Acuff arrived at Arkansas as one of the top-scoring guards in the country. Standing 6-foot-3 with a strong build, he plays with confidence and controls the game at a speed most defenders struggle to keep up with. Acuff is a creative scorer who can beat defenders off the dribble, score from anywhere on the court, and finish through contact with either hand.

He stands out in isolation and pick-and-roll situations, using skill and composure to create offense against any defense. Although Acuff is known for creating his own shots, he also shows promise as a playmaker, using his awareness to find open teammates when defenses close in. His jump shot is improving, and he is already comfortable shooting off the dribble and from long range.

Defensively, his strength and effort help balance out his average quickness. With more experience and growth as a passer, Acuff looks like a confident lead guard who can control the game for long stretches.

Caleb Wilson: Wilson joined North Carolina with the size, mobility, and two-way potential that NBA scouts look for in modern forwards. Standing 6-foot-10 with long strides and good bounce, he moves well for his height and makes an impact on both offense and defense. On defense, his quick feet and timing help him guard different positions, contest shots, and offer extra rim protection.

READ MORE: March Madness Injury Report: Injuries Impacting NCAA Tournament Include Mikal Brown Jr., Caleb Wilson, JT Toppin

On offense, Wilson can drive to the basket, finish plays, and score from midrange, and he is starting to show more shooting range. Wilson is still developing, but he already shows the basics of a strong two-way NBA player. His jump shot is getting better, and he already fits well into team play as a passer and cutter.

Gaining strength, becoming more consistent, and playing with more confidence will help him turn his potential into real results. With his athletic ability and growing skills, Wilson could become a dynamic forward as he gets stronger and more confident.

You won’t see him this month, but don’t forget that he has Tier 1 potential in a class that could be home to multiple franchise players.

Brayden Burries: Burries is a physically mature, big-bodied guard known for his versatile three-level scoring ability. At 6-foot-4, he combines a powerful frame with a methodical attack, using balance and body control to finish through contact. Burries excels with a smooth left-hand finish, midrange pull-ups, and step-back shots extending beyond the arc.

MORE: How Old Is Cameron Boozer? A Look at the Duke Phenom’s Age Ahead of March Madness

Beyond scoring, he’s a capable passer with a reliable handle and good floor vision, offering flexibility to play both on and off the ball. Defensively, Burries competes with physicality and intelligence, guarding both 1s and 2s effectively despite lacking elite quickness.

He is an excellent rebounder for his position, consistently contributing energy and hustle. Though not the flashiest athlete, his smart approach and all-around skill set project him as a high-upside guard who can impact both ends of the floor at the next level.

Keaton Wagler: Wagler is a 6-foot-6 freshman guard for Illinois with a pro-ready frame, smooth perimeter skill, and a mature feel for the game. He’s a fluid ball-handler who plays with rhythm and change of pace, able to score off pull-ups, hit from deep, and punish defenses from the midrange.

Wagler can handle secondary playmaking duties, operate as an initiator, and generally make sound decisions that keep the offense humming. Defensively and physically, he’s still growing into his body and needs more strength to leverage his length and broad shoulders against Big Ten competition. Even so, his toughness, ability to absorb contact, and positional size give him a clear developmental runway as a multi-positional guard or wing.

As his frame fills out and his off-the-dribble shooting and playmaking improve, Wagler projects as a high-upside, versatile perimeter piece who can grow into a legitimate long-term NBA prospect.

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