High Stakes & Heirs Apparent: An Early Look at the 2026 NBA Draft

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While the 2025 class is currently defined by the Cooper Flagg chase, NBA front offices are already labeling 2026 as a “super-class.” Scouting reports suggest this draft could be the deepest in over a decade, featuring a “Big Three” of freshmen who would likely have gone #1 in almost any other year.

With the college basketball regular season winding down, the hierarchy of these freshman stars has begun to stabilize. Here is an early look at the names set to dominate the 2026 lottery.

The “Tier 1” Triple Threat

Scouts are currently debating three distinct archetypes at the top of the board. Most mocks have these three in a tier of their own, all possessing “All-NBA” ceilings.

Prospect	School	Pos	The Scouting Report
Darryn Peterson	Kansas	G	The Polished Closer. A 6’5″ dynamic guard with a 6’11” wingspan. Despite some hamstring issues, he’s averaging 20.5 PPG and is viewed as the most “pro-ready” scorer. Think Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s pace with Anthony Edwards’ strength.
AJ Dybantsa	BYU	F	The Ceiling King. A 6’9″ wing with elite fluidity. He is a three-level scorer who can create his own shot at will. While his defensive consistency is a work in progress, his raw tools are the best in the class.
Cameron Boozer	Duke	F	The Double-Double Machine. Son of Carlos Boozer, “Cam” is a 6’9″, 235-lb powerhouse. He is the most productive player in college basketball, averaging roughly 21 PPG and 10 RPG. His floor is incredibly high due to his IQ and interior dominance.

The Rising Lottery Tier

Beyond the top three, several freshmen have used the conference season to solidify their status as top-10 locks.

Caleb Wilson (North Carolina): A 6’10 “Swiss Army Knife” who was averaging nearly 20 PPG and 10 RPG before a fractured hand sidelined him this week. His defensive versatility and rim-running have drawn comparisons to a young Chris Bosh.
Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville): The fastest riser among point guards. Standing 6’3″, he is an electrifying playmaker who dropped 29 points in a rivalry win over Kentucky. He is currently shooting nearly 70% from two-point range.
Nate Ament (Tennessee): A “unicorn” prospect at 6’10” with a smooth perimeter stroke. While he struggled with physicality early, his recent 29-point outburst against Alabama has him back in the Top-10 conversation.

The Wildcards & International Stars

The 2026 class isn’t just about NCAA freshmen; it features unique paths and returning stars that add immense depth.

Karim López (NZ Breakers): A 6’9″ Mexican forward playing in the NBL “Next Stars” program. He is currently viewed as the premier international prospect with elite defensive “lurker” instincts.
Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State): A unique case—due to his age, he will be only 18 on draft night despite being in his second year of college. He remains a high-upside physical marvel.
Keaton Wagler (Illinois): Emerging as the draft’s premier “3-and-D” wing. His efficiency and high-level defensive rotations have him climbing into the mid-lottery.

The Tankathon: Who is Chasing 2026?

The NBA trade deadline has shifted the “Reverse Standings.” Teams like the Wizards, Nets, and Kings have pivoted toward youth, while the Pacers are desperate to keep their pick (top-4 protected). With as many as six players currently projected with All-Star upside, the incentive to stay in the lottery has never been higher.