2026 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0 – Preseason Edition

TIER 1 – SUPERSTAR – FRANCHISE CORNERSTONE 1 Darryn Peterson – 6-5 – Kansas – An elite talent and one of the best guards to enter the college ranks in the past decade. A near lock to go in the top 3 and a serious contender to go no.1 overall. Peterson is an unstoppable force on the offensive end, able to score from anywhere and do it with high efficiency. He’s also a very high level defender who can lock down on the ball and his a menace in the passing lanes. 2 AJ Dybantsa – 6-9 – BYU – If the 3pt shot comes along this ranking will be too low. AJ is a power wing who can initiate the offense, get his own shot and impose his will on the game. He’s a force going to the basket and has a knack for getting into the lane and scoring through contact. He reminds me of a jumbo-sized version of RJ Barrett, which is an All Star level player who could be a franchise cornerstone. 3 Cameron Boozer – 6-9 – Duke – Boozer is a one of the most efficient scorers and overall contributors you’ll ever see. He does a bit of everything on the court, is unselfish, a great decision maker and a bucket-getter. He’s not going to have the best highlights of all the prospects in this class but when it’s all said and done he could be one of the leading scorers and rebounders in the college game and live up to his hype as one of the top prospects in the class. TIER 2 – ALL-NBA LEVEL PLAYER 4 Nate Ament – 6-9 – Tennessee – Ament is oozing with upside potential as a long and wiry 6-9+ shot-maker. He can handle the ball, get is own offense and is a constant threat to put the ball in the basket. He’s added a lot of good weight/strength over the past few months and is already starting to answer the biggest question mark with his game, his lack of strength. 5 Tounde Yessoufou – 6-6 – Baylor (Benin) – Tounde is a bit older for his class and already has a clear NBA-level frame and athleticism. He’s always been a force in the lane and driving the ball to the basket but the development of his ball handling and 3pt shot has taken his game to a new level. He’s a special athlete who will be one of the most impressive athletes in the NBA from day one, and now his ball skills are catching up, making him an elite prospect. TIER 3 – ALL STAR LEVEL PLAYER 6 Chris Cenac Jr. – 6-10 – Houston – Cenac Jr. has elite talent and shows some really special flashes and it’ll be interesting to see who big his role is a on loaded Houston team. He might not have the biggest role or get the most freedom to experiment with the ball in his hands but going to a program like Houston should really help him in the long run with his toughness, rebounding and defense. Even if he doesn’t put up big numbers he has a chance to be a high lottery pick. 7 Mikel Brown Jr. – 6-3 – Louisville – Brown Jr. is an explosive, elusive and crafty guard who can pour in buckets and impact the game with his scoring and his athleticism. He’s somewhat older for a freshman and doesn’t have elite size for position but he’s clearly loaded with talent. He’s been on of the biggest risers in his class over the past year and is on pace to be a lottery pick. 8 Jayden Quaintance – 6-10 – Kentucky – JQ looks like an elite role player type of prospect who rebounds the ball well, has a major impact defending in the lane and is an efficient and effective offensive player. He’s probably not going to be a star but he could be a really good NBA player for a long time. TIER 4 – HIGH LEVEL STARTER – POSSIBLE ALL STAR 9 Caleb Wilson – 6-9 – North Carolina – Wilson has elite athletic ability and a game that is quickly catching up to his elite tools. He’s got a quick for step, awesome leaping ability and a quickly developing perimeter game. He’s not the biggest or post powerful PF but has some big wing skills and a ton of versatility. 10 Miikka Muurinen – 6-11 – Partizan, Belgrade (Finland) – The former high school star who transferred to play pro ball in the ABA will likely be draft eligible in 2026 but could decide to wait until 2027. If he does declare this year he’s a likely top 10 pick with top 5 potential. Miikka is an incredibly skilled and mobile big man who plays more like a big wing at 6-11. He’s got a feathery jumper and a knack for cutting to the lane and finishing above the rim. His minutes might be limited on a talented Partizan team but NBA scouts are well aware of his talents. 11 Koa Peat – 6-8 – Arizona – Peat is a hard-working and effective forward who doesn’t need the ball in his hands a lot to have a big impact on the game. He’ll likely play a supporting role this season for the Wildcats and might not put up huge numbers but he’s got a game that should translate well to the next level. 12 Tomislav Ivisic – 7-1 – Illinois (Croatia) – I’m a huge fan of Tomislav’s game and think he is vastly underrated. He’s got great passing vision for a 7-1 player, is deadly from downtown and holds his own in the lane on both ends. He fits the mold of a modern floor-spacing, slick-passing big. Having him ranked this high is an outlier but I think he’ll prove his worth this season. 13 Bennett Stirtz – 6-4 – Iowa – Stirtz isn’t a big name in mainstream circles but draft nerds know all about his talents. He has a chance to cement his name on the national stage this season and prove that he’s worthy of this high ranking. He’s a clutch shot-maker and a high level facilitator who could be one of the faces of college basketball this season. 14 Dash Daniels – 6-5 – Australia – An elite defender with an emerging offensive game, Daniels just keeps getting better and, as one of the youngest players in the draft class, he has a long runway to continue to improve. He’s not the most flashy offensive talent but his all around game and elite defense give him a lot of value. TIER 5 – POSSIBLE STARTER – SOLID ROTATION PLAYER 15 Brayden Burries – 6-4 – Arizona – Burries is a smooth guard with great shot-making ability and a knack for scoring the rock. He’s not the most twitchy or electric athlete but he’s got good strength and plenty of quickness to get to his spots. His great talent level alleviates any athletic concerns. 16 Labaron Philon – 6-3 – Alabama – Philon is one of the more intriguing guard prospects in the country with his defensive qualities and versatile game. If he continues to get stronger and become more consistent shooting the rock it’ll really help his draft stock. 17 Dame Sarr – 6-7 – Duke (Italy) – Sarr is loaded with upside ability and it’ll be fascinating to see how he adjusts to the college game. He’ll probably have some ups and downs but the ups will make him look like a lottery talent. Consistency will be key for his overall draft evaluation. 18 Darius Acuff Jr. – 6-1 – Arkansas – A tough and hard-nosed guard who is wired to score the ball, Acuff Jr. should have a big role in a crowded Arkansas backcourt. He’s not the biggest guard but has a lot of strength and plays with power. He’s a tough eval for me and I’ll be really interested to see what his role is on this team and how he stacks up with and shares the ball with the other talented guards on the roster. 19 Karim Lopez – 6-8 – NZ Breakers, NBL (Mexico) – Lopez is an interesting prospect who sometimes looks like a top 10 lock and other times looks a bit lost on the court with major question marks in his game. He’s very young and has a lot of time to work on his weaknesses and, at the end of the day, a 6-8 big wing with his level of scoring instincts will get a long look in the lottery.e 20 JT Toppin – 6-9 – Texas Tech – Toppin might have been a first rounder last year but chose to return to dominate college basketball. He’s going to put up big numbers on a good Texas Tech team and should be in the running for national player of the year. He’s probably not going to improve his draft stock a ton but he’s just a solid player and a solid prospect with mid/late first round potential. 21 Thomas Haugh – 6-9 – Florida – A steady role player who does all the dirty work and impacts the game, even when he’s not scoring the ball. A key piece on this loaded Gators team. 22 Yaxel Lendeborg – 6-9 – Michigan – One of the top transfers in the country Yaxel should put up big numbers for the Wolverines and be in the first round conversation. He’s super versatile, has great length and is an impactful player on both ends. 23 Nikolas Khamenia – 6-9 – Duke – A highly skilled scorer with good size. I quick decision maker and high IQ player with solid athleticism. Could be a one and done but more likely a multi-year guy. 24 Neoklis Avdalas – 6-9 – Virginia Tech (Greece) – A highly skilled big wing who can really pass the rock, has a nice outside shot and awesome size for an offensive initiator. 25 Isaiah Evans – 6-7 – Duke – Evans returns for year two and it’ll be interesting to see how he handles a bigger role in the offense. He’s a streaky shooter who can catch fire from downtown. He’s still very skinny and has some question marks on the defensive end but his offensive fire power could land him in the first round. 26 Hannes Steinback – 6-9 – Washington (Germany) – A tough rebounder and skilled offensive player who plays with a lot of energy. Should have a big impact in his first year at Washington. 27 Tahaad Pettiford – 6-1 – Auburn – Small guards have a tough time making it in the NBA but Pettiford is just so dynamic with the ball in his hands that he has a shot to be a first rounder. He’s got a skinny and wiry frame but good length with a 6-5 wingspan, which helps him hold his own defensively. He’s one of the most exciting, fun and electric players in the county. 28 Karter Knox – 6-5 – Arkansas – Knox shows flashes that make him look like a lottery pick. If he can get more consistent and take on more of a leadership role this season his draft stock will sky rocket. TIER 6 – ROTATION PLAYER – BENCH PLAYER – POSSIBLE STARTER 29 Elyjah Freeman – 6-8 – Auburn – A small school transfer with big time athletic ability and a good looking outside shot. He’ll have a big adjustment to make playing against high major talent but he’s got all the tools to excel. 30 Isiah Harwell – 6-5 – Houston – A high level shooter and scorer who has clear NBA potential but could be a two or three year player. 31 Magoon Gwath – 7-0 – San Diego State – Has unique movement skills for a 7-footer and an intriguing combination of outside shot-making and shot blocking abilities. While he’s very intriguing he could be a year or two away from being NBA ready. 32 Cayden Boozer – 6-4 – Duke – (The other) Boozer is an outside shot away from being a complete player and a first round pick. If his shot falls this year he’ll be one of the best guards in college basketball, with his passing vision, knack for scoring in the lane and defensive intensity. Even if the shot doesn’t totally pan out he’ll be a great college player who will go on to have a long pro career. 33 Alex Condon – 6-11 – Florida (Australia) – Condon does a lot the dirty work of setting screens, crashing the glass, defending in the lane and running the floor hard. His game isn’t flashy but he brings value on both ends and looks the part of a NBA role playing big. 34 Alex Karaban – 6-8 – UConn – Karaban will go down as one of the greats in the UConn programs history. His NBA role is a little murky but big shot-makers have value and he’ll get a long look from NBA teams. He might not be a high upside guy but he does some things at a high level and has a chance to be a solid role player at the next level. 35 Henri Veesaar – 7-0 – North Carolina (Estonia) – The Arizona transfer will play a big role in the Tar Heel frontcourt. His NBA role would be as an energy big off the bench but he could find a spot in the league with his size and athleticism. 36 Kam Williams – 6-8 – Kentucky – A smooth operator on the wing with a good looking jumper, good awareness on the offensive end and good positional size. Should be one of the more impactful transfers in the SEC. 37 Boogie Fland – 6-3 – Florida – Boogie lacks ideal size but has great handles, good quickness and scoring instincts. He projects as a potentially great college player but his role at the next level could be limited. Will he be a bench guard in the NBA or end up overseas? 38 Braylon Mullins – 6-5 – UConn – It’ll be fascinating to see how much run Mullins gets on a very deep UConn team. He’s got a world of talent and a great looking outside shot but could be more of a two-year guy then a one and done. TIER 7 – BENCH PLAYER – MAYBE STICKS IN THE LEAGUE – DEVELOPMENTAL 39 Coen Carr – 6-7 – Michigan State – There’s athleticism and then there’s Coen Carr. He’s an insane above the rim player but is also starting to round out his game and is on a nice trajectory as a prospect. 40 Omer Mayer – 6-4 – Purdue – Mayer is a big time talent who will play a supportive role in year one for the Boilermakers and will probably end up as a multi-year player but I had to put him on this list as I think he’s one of the top 70 draft eligible NBA prospects. 41 Tyrone Riley – 6-6 – USF – This could end up being way too low for Riley who chose to stay at USF and be the man instead of transfer up. He instantly passes the eye test and has NBA level tools but will have to take the next steps with his play-making and perimeter shooting. 42 Dailyn Swain – 6-8 – Texas – An NBA level athlete with all the tools but will have to continue to develop his game. Shows some really nice flashes. 43 Milos Uzan – 6-5 – Houston – Uzan is a big point guard with great passing vision and the mental make-up you look for in a PG/leader. He’s a feisty defender who really gets after ball handlers. 44 Solo Ball – 6-3 – UConn – Ball is a dynamic athlete who is learning to harness his ability and is becoming a more complete guard. He’s a blur in the open court and excels at taking it to the rim. 45 Dwayne Aristode – 6-7 – Arizona (Netherlands) – When it’s all said and done this ranking could be way too low. Aristode is a powerfully built wing with a chiseled frame and a lot of talent. He’s part of a really strong recruiting class for the Wildcats and, while he’s not the biggest name in the group he could surprise to the upside. 46 Johann Grunloh – 6-10 – Virginia (Germany) – Grunloh brings a high-energy physical presence to Virginia’s front line. He’s solid in the post and can step out and hit the 3 but is a bit heavy-footed and not the most dynamic athlete. 47 Flory Bidunga – 6-10 – Kansas (Congo) – A rare athlete who can out run and out jump just about anybody he faces. Is still figuring out his offensive game and developing his ball skills. 48 Sergio de Larrea – 6-6 – Spain – A slick passing big guard who doesn’t blow you away with athleticism but is crafty, shifty and can get to his spots. A bit older than other international prospects but has a lot of game. 49 Otega Oweh 6-5 – Kentucky – Oweh isn’t elite in one area but is an all around player who does everything on the court at a good level. He’s a very good defender and a hard-nosed player who impacts winning more than the box score. 50 Miles Byrd – 6-6 – San Diego State – Byrd is a standout defender and a rangy athlete with pretty good size but his 3pt shot will have to improve. This is a big year for him to take the next step in his development. 51 Mouhamed Faye – 6-10 – Reggio Emilio (Senegal) – One of the top interior defenders and rebounders in this draft class Faye was a late withdrawal from last year’s draft and will look to solidify his draft stock this season. 52 Jalen Haralson – 6-5 – Notre Dame – An all around talent who is just rock solid in all aspects, is a high level decision maker and two-way player. While he might not be a super high upside guy he’s got some NBA traits. 53 Anthony Robinson II – 6-3 – Missouri – A standout defender and a high energy player who is blossoming into a big time talent. Doesn’t have elite size but plays bigger than his 6-3 listing. 54 Silas Demary Jr. – 6-5 – UConn – The transfer from Georgia doesn’t show up on most draft boards but I think he’s an underrated play-maker with good size and solid scoring. He’s part of a loaded UConn backcourt and should play a big role for the team. 55 Morez Johnson – 6-10 – Michigan – A tough and physical big man who loves to mix it up inside. Isn’t a high flyer but is solid and strong and definitely makes his presence felt. He sets good screens, attacks the glass well and is an enforcer in the paint. 56 Kingston Flemings – 6-2 – Houston – Another freshman with plenty of upside and talent but it remains to be seen if he gets the playing time on a veteran-laden team. Flemings has an impressive frame and athleticism with broad shoulders and a quick first step. He’s not the tallest guard out there but has NBA level tools. 57 Braden Smith – 6-0 – Purdue – Smith is one of the faces of college basketball and one of the best guards in the nation. He doesn’t have ideal size and his NBA future is in question because of his lack of height but he’s a really talented, aggressive and impactful player. 58 Patrick Ngongba II – 6-10 – Duke – Not flashy but highly effective and could be in for a breakout season. He does all the big man things well and is a fundamentally sound player who is highly effective. 59 Mackenzie Mgbako – 6-8 – Texas A&M – A floor-spacing wing with great size, Mgbako has a chance to revive his draft stock at A&M. He’s not the most bursty or creative player but he’s got a sweet jumper with the size on the wing that NBA teams look for. 60 Alvaro Folguerias – 6-9 – Iowa (Spain) – A talented scorer who has transferred up and will look to continue his success against better competition. Has good passing vision and soft touch around the rim. 61 Sadiq White – 6-8 – Syracuse – White is very far from a finished product and might not be NBA ready anytime soon but he has tools you can’t teach including great length and above the rim ability. He’s a slim and wiry athlete who can really fly. His ball skills are still a work in progress and he’s probably best served developing his game for a few years at the college level before jumping to the pros. 62 Ian Jackson – 6-5 – St. John’s – The UNC transfer comes home to NYC and will look to regain his draft momentum. He’s a high energy guard who is still learning to harness his energy and athleticism. 63 Robert Wright III – 6-0 – BYU – RW3 is one of the most exciting players in the country and is a major impact player despite being only 6-feet tall. He’s incredibly crafty and shifty with the ball and has an uncanny knack for scoring over length. There’s a real chance he stays in school for four years and collects the big NIL money. 64 Malachi Moreno – 7-1 – Kentucky – An upside talent who might be a multi-year player but has great tools. Moves well for a big man, has soft hands and a good touch. Will have to fight for playing time in a deep Kentucky frontcourt. 65 Donnie Freeman – 6-9 – Syracuse – After an injury plagued freshman season Freeman looks to regain his form. He’s got a lot of talent and should get every chance to shine this year for Syracuse. 66 Xaivian Lee – 6-3 – Florida (Canada) – It’ll be interesting to see how the Princeton transfer adjusts to SEC play. He’s likely to be a key player on this loaded Florida team and should be getting a long look from NBA scouts. 67 Darrion Williams – 6-6 – NC State – A big-bodied wing who brings a lot of toughness to the court, Williams gives the Wolfpack a veteran presence. He doesn’t have one clear NBA skill but does a lot of things well on the court. 68 Shon Abaev – 6-7 – Cincinnati – A sweet-shooting wing with good instincts and court awareness. We don’t see many one and done’s coming from Cincinnati and Abaev very well could be a multi-year player but he’s a real talent with a chance to make it in the league. 69 Baye Ndongo – 6-9 – Georgia Tech (Senegal) – Baye is developing into a real force upfront and is the type of athlete that fits the mold of NBA bench big. He’s a solid rebounder and a pesky defender with good versatility. 70 Billy Richmond – 6-5 – Arkansas – An awesome open court athlete who really gets after it defensively and has an emerging offensive game. Is a good cutter and finisher who has a lot of work to do on his outside shot. > Back to the mock draft