The 2025 NBA Draft has come and gone, and it was certainly an exciting journey. Cooper Flagg, as expected, was the No. 1 overall pick, while Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, and a few breakout names like Danny Wolf and Cedric Coward landed in solid situations.
Now that the 2025 draft is behind us, all eyes have shifted to 2026. Scouts have been heavily focused on this class since February, and with sleeper names likely emerging mid-season, the 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be an exciting one.
Top 10 NBA Draft Prospects to Watch for During the 2026 College Basketball Season
1. F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
AJ Dybantsa is a five-star forward recruit in the 2025 class, often considered the top prospect by many recruiting services. He comes with No. 1 buzz, but some questions remained unanswered regarding his overall game.
Then came the USA Basketball U19 camp in Colorado Springs, and things changed significantly for Dybantsa’s perception among scouts.
At the USA Basketball U19 camp, Dybantsa excelled, shredding defenders in transition, effectively locking up multiple positions defensively, and creating offense for his teammates. His reads in pick-and-roll situations, including precise pocket passes and lobs, showed a real leap in his processing ability and unselfishness on the court.
Move smart, there ain’t nun behind, jus hoop with a peace of mind pic.twitter.com/ojhwFKtSUm
— AJ Dybantsa (@AJ_Dybantsa) June 16, 2025
At 6’9″, Dybantsa possesses everything an NBA wing needs. He is physically imposing, comfortable handling the ball in space, and capable of switching defensively across multiple positions, from guards to forwards.
While it is true that Dybantsa needs to work on shot consistency and his in-between game, his intensity and versatility cannot be overlooked as he prepares for his freshman season at Brigham Young University.
2. F Cameron Boozer, Duke
Cameron Boozer comes with a legacy of greatness, as his father is none other than former NBA veteran Carlos Boozer. It is no surprise, then, that the 6’9″ Duke commit plays like a seasoned veteran.
At the Nike Hoop Summit, he delivered a dominant performance with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. Boozer also anchored Team USA on both ends of the court, proving he can produce under pressure in high-stakes environments.
However, there are some questions about his long-term ceiling as a professional player.
Cameron Boozer dominated the U17 World Cup: MVP, All-Tournament Team, and a gold medal. 🔥😈
Averaged 20.1 PPG (70/33/85), 10 RPG, 2.7 SPG in 7 games. 😤pic.twitter.com/XtvvjHklgl
— Duke Central (@duke_central) June 2, 2025
Boozer is not the most explosive athlete, and some questions exist about his early physical maturity, particularly regarding his burst and quickness. However, there is no doubt that his fundamentals are in place, showcasing a high basketball IQ and polished skills.
He will need to stretch the floor more consistently with his jump shot and demonstrate he can guard effectively in open space. Boozer projects as a high-floor prospect with All-Star potential if he adds more vertical pop and defensive versatility to his game.
3. G Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Darryn Peterson is battle-tested and ready for the collegiate level. At Prolific Prep, he put up impressive numbers and was consistent with his ability to control pace and change speeds out of the pick-and-roll.
Peterson stands at 6’6″ and plays with old-school shooting guard instincts, combined with a new-school pace and creativity. To make things more intriguing, he has shown significant improvement over time as both a passer and defender, addressing areas that were previously seen as weaknesses.
‘📍Kansas@KUHoops pic.twitter.com/GY8TwGBZBe
— Darryn Peterson (@Darryn_P1) May 30, 2025
Peterson, as a freshman in high school, had games with 26-plus points, 10-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists, followed by a 31 points per game sophomore campaign.
Now, under coach Bill Self at Kansas, he is expected to be the offensive focal point from day one. If his shooting percentages improve and he effectively handles the pressure of the Big 12 Conference, Peterson’s draft stock will undoubtedly rise very quickly.
4. F Nate Ament, Tennessee
Tennessee struck gold with Nate Ament. He is a 6’9″ high-upside forward with significant potential. Ament boasts impressive shooting splits of 47/42/90 and presents a perimeter threat with excellent floor vision.
He shoots with a smooth, high release and a soft touch and can score from all three levels when he is in rhythm.
NBA scouts are enamored with the upside and talent Nate Ament possesses at 6’10, with guard skills and the ability to defend all over the floor.
Fluid getting to spots, with diverse shot-making prowess, Ament has improved his ball-handling, passing, physicality and intensity. https://t.co/e10BQYwqV9 pic.twitter.com/n9ykrIGLLT
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 20, 2025
Ament, however, is still growing into his frame and learning to assert himself consistently on the court. The primary concern with him is that he tends to play too upright, gets bumped off his spots easily, and is not yet consistently finishing strong through contact.
However, with a season in the rigorous SEC weight room and under coach Rick Barnes’ development, he may become one of the most improved players on any draft board, potentially skyrocketing his stock.
5. F Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Players like Yaxel Lendeborg, who were projected to go in the first round of this past NBA draft, usually do not return to college. But Lendeborg is unlike others, choosing to continue his collegiate career.
At Alabama-Birmingham last year, he averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and absurd two-way statistics with 1.8 blocks and 1.7 steals per game for the Blazers. Lendeborg officially skipped the 2025 NBA Draft and transferred to Michigan.
‘I want to come here and leave my mark’: Yaxel Lendeborg discusses personal and team goals, Michigan summer workouts
The Wolverine’s interview with Yaxel Lendeborg: https://t.co/42602zyuQM pic.twitter.com/zTv0nWvaXr
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineOn3) June 24, 2025
Now, that is a big win for Michigan coach Dusty May. Lendeborg is a truly unique talent who has already accomplished something only Larry Bird ever did at the Division I level: putting up 600-plus points, 400-plus rebounds, and 150-plus assists in a single season.
His decision to return to college makes him one of the most intriguing prospects heading into the 2026 NBA Draft, bringing a high level of proven production to the next season.
6. G Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
Mikel Brown Jr. is a cerebral guard who has steadily grown from an undersized playmaker into a 6’3″ point guard. The Louisville commit possesses an elite handle, exceptional court vision, and a deep offensive arsenal.
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Brown’s 45/40/91 shooting splits from the 3SSB season indicate his efficiency as a scorer. While it is true that Brown struggles a bit with physicality, and his shot selection can occasionally dip, his feel for the game and playmaking instincts cannot be ignored.
7. G Dame Sarr, Duke
Moving from Barcelona to Duke University is no simple feat, but Dame Sarr has done just that. He is an 18-year-old, 6’8″ Italian wing who has already played in both the Euroleague and ACB, two highly competitive professional basketball leagues.
Sarr offers a compelling blend of size, defensive versatility, and offensive playmaking ability, making him a fascinating prospect for the NBA.
First look at Dame Sarr at Duke! pic.twitter.com/sszQ5CuoYv
— Blue Devils (@BlueDevils) June 20, 2025
Sarr has a history of shooting 50% from three-point range in the Euroleague this season and even shows flashes of making difficult passes in tight windows. He, however, needs some polishing when it comes to decision-making and shot discipline, common areas for young players transitioning to college basketball.
But these are aspects that Duke’s coaching staff can certainly help him refine, potentially unlocking his full potential.
8. G Isaiah Evans, Duke
Isaiah Evans was largely sidelined from the spotlight last season, with names like Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach taking center stage. But this year, that will likely change as he enters his sophomore season at Duke.
He is back with more reps, more confidence, and a clearer role within the Blue Devils’ offense. The 6’7″ wing is considered one of the best pure shot-makers in the country.
When Isaiah Evans had 6 threes in the first half against #2 Auburn!
FLAMETHROWER @IsaiahEvans26 pic.twitter.com/EU3gEaNDPu
— Blue Devils (@BlueDevils) May 31, 2025
Evans possesses a high release, buttery touch, and the ability to shoot off movement or in isolation situations. While there are some lingering concerns about his shot selection, defensive consistency, and his ability to create for others, he has the potential to develop into a player with a significant impact in games on both ends of the floor.
9. F Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
Jayden Quaintance is a defensive force in the paint. At Arizona State University, he averaged nearly three blocks per game as a freshman and had an impressive 9.8% block rate, all while being just 17 years old.
Now at Kentucky, Quaintance returns to the hard courts with a recovered ACL injury, and he is hands down one of the most disruptive frontcourt defenders in college basketball.
Jayden Quaintance comparing his wingspan to Anthony Davis 👀 pic.twitter.com/8pHOlXM5vh
— Rare Rookies #BBN (@rarerookies) May 25, 2025
Quaintance boasts a reported 7-foot-3 wingspan and projects as a premier rim protector and rebound vacuum at the next level. Offensively, however, he is still growing and developing his game. If his offensive skill set catches up to his defensive prowess, Quaintance will likely be a very high pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
10. F/C Alex Condon, Florida
Another name that made a surprising return to collegiate athletics is Alex Condon. He is a returning national champion and a back-to-back All-SEC honoree. Condon has already racked up 668 points, 508 rebounds, and 49 blocks in just two seasons with the Florida Gators.
Florida gets their big man back 💪
Alex Condon is returning for another year with the Gators 🐊 pic.twitter.com/CDEdK1mdrm
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) May 27, 2025
Last year, he was Florida’s backbone, anchoring their defense and recording an impressive 103 offensive rebounds. Condon also showed moments of inside-out scoring, indicating potential for a more expanded offensive role. If he adds a consistent three-point shot to his game, he could certainly be looking at a first-round selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.
