My 2026 NBA Draft player rankings from 1-30.
- AJ Dybantsa- BYU
- Cameron Boozer- Duke
- Darryn Peterson- Kansas
- Caleb Wilson- North Carolina
- Darius Acuff Jr- Arkansas
- Mikel Brown Jr- Louisville
- Keaton Wagler- Illinois
- Kingston Flemings- Houston
- Brayden Burries- Arizona
- Aday Mara- Michigan
Notes: First off, this was such a tough draft to elevate based on the talent level of the players. Ultimately, I ended up going with Dybantsa & Boozer as my No. 1 and No. 2 prospects. As I continued to break down the top of the class, AJ and Cam found my trust as players more and more with their NBA ready skillsets/physical makeups. Darryn Peterson & Caleb Wilson could easily become All-Stars one day, but I think Dybantsa & Boozer are more polished playmakers that are also 20 plus PPG scorers. Peterson at 3 seems low. However, there’s not much he does at a high level compared to those guys besides scoring the basketball (so good of a scorer that he had to be ranked 3rd, especially in clutch moments). Wilson was the better shot blocker of the four, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Caleb becomes the best defender of that group (has to improve three-point shot offensively). At No. 5 and No. 6, Darius Acuff Jr. & Mikel Brown Jr. can score, pass, handle, and shoot the ball with ease (both don’t need much space at all to get shots off). Keaton Wagler is a bit of a mystery to me despite rising up draft boards throughout the 2025-26 season, but I did see enough during his Sweet 16 game vs. Houston to confidently rank him ahead of the super quick/athletic Kingston Flemings. And at No. 9 and No. 10, Brayden Burries’ efficiency/defensive instincts and Aday Mara’s 7-foot-4 size/passing ability makes them future starters in my eyes.
- Nate Ament- Tennessee
- Morez Johnson Jr- Michigan
- Cameron Carr- Baylor
- Hannes Steinbach- Washington
- Labaron Philon Jr- Alabama
- Ebuka Okorie- Stanford
- Yaxel Lendeborg- Michigan
- Karim Lopez- Mexico
- Bennett Stirtz- Iowa
- Christian Anderson Jr- Texas Tech
Notes: Nate Ament could definitely become one of the best players in this draft class, but after an inefficient freshman season, it’s clear he needs to work on his stacking up consistent games (39.9% FG/33.3% 3-PT). In terms of fit, Morez Johnson Jr. brings versatile/high IQ big man skills as a 6-foot-9, 255-pound forward to any team in the NBA (switchability on defense should translate). Cameron Carr’s athleticism and deep shooting range make him a potential starter one day, but I still have questions after barely playing for two years at Tennessee before a breakout season at Baylor. Hannes Steinbach was the 2025-26 NCAA rebounding champion, can run the floor, go to work down low, drop dimes, and also averaged over 1 steal/block. Labaron Philon Jr. & Ebuka Okorie intrigue me with their self creation off the dribble and defensive awareness. I was super impressed with Yaxel Lendeborg as a teammate, doing whatever it takes to win at Michigan (turns 24 in September). Karim Lopez has top ten pick potential mainly because of his strength and defense, but his poor three-point shooting could hurt him in the NBA. At 19 and 20, I trust that Bennett Stirtz & Christian Anderson Jr. will adapt to whatever role is needed from the two guards.
- Chris Cenac Jr- Houston
- Allen Graves- Santa Clara
- Meleek Thomas- Arkansas
- Isaiah Evans- Duke
- Dailyn Swain- Texas
- Jayden Quaintance- Kentucky
- Koa Peat- Arizona
- Baba Miller- Cincinnati
- Tarris Reed Jr- UConn
- Zuby Ejiofor- St. John’s
Notes: At 21, Chris Cenac Jr. was a projected lottery pick before the season. Unfortunately for the former Houston big man, there just wasn’t enough on both ends that really popped besides rebounding (potential still high, as he’s nearly 7 feet). Allen Graves has winning role player written all over him thanks to being a knockdown long distance shooter/contributing off the bench in college. I thought Meleek Thomas had an underrated freshman season at Arkansas on both ends (15.6 PPG/46.2% FG/48.7% 3-PT/2.1 APG/1.7 SPG/0.8 TOV in conference). Isaiah Evans can knock down threes in a hurry, but needs to get stronger and become more of a complete player. At 25, Dailyn Swain’s 29.3% career three-point shooting/147 total 3PA in three seasons makes him a huge question mark (there’s no doubt he can score, pass, rebound, and defend though). Another question I have is Jayden Quaintance after an injury-filled season at Kentucky. Will Quaintance be healthy and play like he did at Arizona State? Koa Peat’s lack of 3-point shooting/self creation, low free throw percentage, and low blocked shot numbers didn’t help his draft stock. Baba Miller’s activity level looks like it can change games for teams with his energy and athleticism. And to end my top 30, Tarris Reed Jr. and Zuby Ejiofor are two of the best offensive rebounders/screen setters in the draft.
