{"id":133035,"date":"2025-09-04T20:07:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T20:07:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/133035\/"},"modified":"2025-09-04T20:07:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T20:07:08","slug":"top-30-prospects-in-the-2026-nba-draft-headline-by-aj-dybatsa-cameron-boozer-and-nate-ament","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/133035\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 30 Prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft Headline by AJ Dybatsa, Cameron Boozer, and Nate Ament"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s never too early to start thinking about the next wave of NBA<\/a> stars. With the 2025-26 NBA and college basketball seasons drawing near, that means analyzing the 2026 NBA Draft class. And in the offseason, that means cranking up the PFSN 2025 NBA Draft simulator<\/a> and seeing what possibilities exist for your favorite team.<\/p>\n

The simulator is already in midseason form, cranking out results for basketball fans and draft gurus around the globe. So, let\u2019s look at the top 30 players by average draft position in our simulator.<\/p>\n

\"Come<\/a>The NBA Player Guessing Game allows you to guess the NBA player based on clues about their team, division, height, jersey number, points, and experience.<\/p>\n

1. F AJ Dybantsa
\nBYU<\/p>\n

BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa isn\u2019t quite a Cooper Flagg- or Victor Wembanyama-level prospect, but he comes into the college game with a ton of hype and expectation to go from No. 1 recruit in the nation to the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. This path had produced wildly mixed results.<\/p>\n

AJ Dybantsa has a sky high defensive ceiling when he locks in. Effort isn\u2019t always there for him, but the flashes are very fun. His lateral movement is really good for his size and length.<\/p>\n

Hoping to see more possessions like this from him at BYU next year. pic.twitter.com\/HmEWD5Rnlq<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jim (@Wiz_Weekly) August 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Players who went from top recruit to top pick include one of the greatest of all time, LeBron James, young current NBA stars with varying degrees of success like Anthony Davis, Paolo Banchero, and Zion Williamson, and one of the biggest busts in draft history, Ben Simmons.<\/p>\n

Dybantsa is a 6\u20199\u201d with incredible quickness and natural scoring ability. If he can show improvement shooting from deep and get his percentage into the mid-to-high 30% range, he\u2019ll be a lock to go No. 1.<\/p>\n

2. F Cameron Boozer
\nDuke<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a little surprising that Cameron Boozer takes the No. 2 ADP spot here over Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson, but the combination of his size (6\u20199\u201d, 235 pounds), skill, and pedigree as the son of Duke legend and NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer makes him a popular pick at No. 2.<\/p>\n

Boozer is big and physical like his dad, but is more athletic and has a three-point range. The biggest question with the Duke \u201cfrosh\u201d is if his lack of elite athleticism will stop him from being a superstar and make him simply a very good, not a great, player at the NBA level.<\/p>\n

3. F Nate Ament
\nTennessee<\/p>\n

Nate Ament is silky smooth at 6\u20199\u201d and can shoot from the outside, hitting 42.6% of his shots from three-point range on the Adidas 3SSB circuit in 2024<\/a>. It\u2019s easy to see his skill making him an upper-echelon \u201c3-and-D wing\u201d in the NBA at worst.<\/p>\n

The biggest issue here is that, at 190 pounds, Ament is much more comfortable on the outside than going to the basket. If he can bulk up and add strength, though, there is the potential to be an all-around star.<\/p>\n

4. G Darryn Peterson
\nKansas<\/p>\n

If Darryn Peterson does drop to No. 5 or later in the 2026 NBA Draft, like he is in the simulator here, the team that gets him could have a major steal on their hands \u2014 the 6\u20195\u201d point guard can do it all. The Jayhawks\u2019 freshman can shoot, drive, and create for himself and others.<\/p>\n

He may not have the size at point guard of a Cade Cunningham or the explosive athleticism of a Kyrie Irving, but the dude can flat-out play basketball and looks like a legit floor general and lead guard at the next level.<\/p>\n

5. F\/C Chris Cenac Jr.
\nHouston<\/p>\n

Houston freshman Chris Cenac Jr. is a prospect who seems to have a high floor and a high ceiling all at once. The 6\u201910\u201d, 230-pound big man should be an above-average rim protector in the pros, especially after spending a season with defensive guru Kelvin Sampson and his Cougars.<\/p>\n

MAKE YOUR OWN PICKS WITH PFSN\u2019S FREE 2026 NBA MOCK DRAFT SIMULATOR<\/a><\/p>\n

If his improvement trajectory continues, though, he could become a top all-around NBA big. His strength, explosiveness, and long-range shooting are all growing, which could make him an elite \u201cpick-and-roll, pick-and-pop,\u201d and even a \u201cstretch-5 big\u201d in a few years.<\/p>\n

6. G Dash Daniels
\nMelbourne United (Australia)<\/p>\n

We already have a blueprint for what Dash Daniels could be in the NBA by looking at his brother, Atlanta Hawk Dyson Daniels. He is slightly shorter (6\u20196\u201d vs 6\u20198\u201d) but more stoutly built (both about 200 pounds despite the two-inch difference), and should be a lockdown defender from Day 1 in the NBA, especially after two years of playing with pros in his native Australia.<\/p>\n

With elite guard\/wing defender as his floor, Daniels is working on his offensive game, and a top \u201c3-and-D\u201d star or even legit two-way All-Star is within his range of outcomes.<\/p>\n

7. F Tounde Yessoufou
\nBaylor<\/p>\n

If you squint hard and ignore the significantly different hairstyle, you could think you\u2019re watching VJ Edgecomb again at Baylor this year when Tounde Yessoufou from Benin hits the court. The 6\u20195\u201d, 215-pound guard plays with athleticism and physicality that make him a nightmare on both sides of the court.<\/p>\n

Like the former Baylor Bear and No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Yessoufou needs to refine his offensive skills and become a better shooter. However, with the way he can go to the basket, draw fouls, and shoot free throws at a near-90% clip, he should be a solid NBA rotation player at worst.<\/p>\n

8. F Jayden Quaintance
\nKentucky<\/p>\n

If this NBA mock draft simulator ADP plays out in the 2026 NBA Draft, it will take almost 10 picks to get to the first multi-year college player off the board. Jayden Quaintance is taking a step up in college this year, going from Arizona State to Kentucky, so we\u2019ll get to see how much he\u2019s improved season-to-season.<\/p>\n

The 6\u201910\u201d, 235-pound big man already has an NBA body, and he\u2019s already an excellent post defender and rim protector. He has natural passing ability, too, and can finish at the rim. His improving outside shot will likely dictate how highly he gets picked and if he becomes a star at the next level.<\/p>\n

9. F Caleb Wilson
\nNorth Carolina<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 10.9<\/p>\n

Caleb Wilson comes into the Tar Heels program with all the size and skills NBA teams look for in a wing\/forward. The 6\u20199\u201d can score inside and outside and is a good rebounder, shot blocker, and help-side defender, averaging 1.8 blocks and 7.3 rebounds per game in the Nike EBYL.<\/p>\n

If he\u2019s able to prove he has the quickness and footspeed to guard on the perimeter, he could shoot up draft boards next summer.<\/p>\n

10. G Darius Acuff Jr.
\nArkansas<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 11.1<\/p>\n

Arkansas\u2019 6\u20191\u201d guard is a good shooter both off the dribble and spotting up, and can take it to the rim and get fouled, as well. He shot 36.3% from deep on 6.7 attempts per game and also shot the third-most free throws per game (5.5) in the 2023-24 EYBL Scholastic season.<\/p>\n

MORE: John Calipari Sending Arkansas Staff To Watch Top Prospect at EuroBasket 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

If Darius Acuff Jr. can prove this upcoming college season that he can be a true point guard, facilitate an offense, and score, it will help his NBA draft stock immensely. Otherwise, just being an undersized off-guard who can shoot and plays below the rim could limit his upside in the pros.<\/p>\n

11. G Bennett Stirtz
\nIowa<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 13.2<\/p>\n

Bennett Stirtz doesn\u2019t have the sexiest game in the 2026 NBA Draft class, but his versatility and shooting make him the type of player all good NBA teams need to make a deep run in the playoffs.<\/p>\n

Stirtz is taking a step up in competition, which will be informative of what his role could be in the NBA. At best, he could be a true floor general with great range who isn\u2019t afraid to take (and often make) big, clutch shots. His floor, though, is probably what NBA teams like best, as he should be an above-average third guard on a good team at worst.<\/p>\n

12. F Koa Peat
\nArizona<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 13.8<\/p>\n

Koa Peat is a 6\u20198\u201d, 230-pound Arizona freshman who could be a bit of a \u201ctweener.\u201d He\u2019s a jack-of-all-trades type who doesn\u2019t seem elite at anything but is good at just about everything. How Peat performs this season will dictate his draft stock, as his gamer mentality is his biggest strength.<\/p>\n

Despite not being the best at anything on paper, he was one of the most productive players on the court at any time for the USA U19 squad, averaging 16.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals at the FIBA World Cup. And that was on a squad that included Dybantsa and Mikel Brown.<\/p>\n

13. G Isiah Harwell
\nHouston<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 16.2<\/p>\n

Isaiah Harwell is what you think of when you close your eyes and picture a modern Houston Cougars guard. At 6\u20195\u201d and 200 pounds, Harwell is a dog defensively and has the athleticism and build to hound guards at that end of the floor.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s not just a defensive specialist, though. Harwell has a sweet stroke and averaged 17.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in his final year of high school.<\/p>\n

14. G Mikel Brown
\nLouisville<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 16.3<\/p>\n

At 6\u20195\u201d, 180, Mikel Brown brings a sweet shooting stroke and controlled, all-around point guard game to the Louisville Cardinals this season. He is quick and runs the pick-and-roll like a pro, so it\u2019s easy to see him running an NBA team.<\/p>\n

In 2025-26, scouts will be watching how his body holds up in the tough ACC. Brown\u2019s slight frame seems like his only major drawback at this point.<\/p>\n

15. F Karim Lopez
\nNew Zealand Breakers (Mexico)<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 17.3<\/p>\n

Mexican forward Karim Lopez will play for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL next season, joining Dash Daniels in the Aussie league. Last season, he averaged 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game as a 17-year-old in one of the world\u2019s best professional leagues.<\/p>\n

At 6\u20198\u201d and 220 pounds, this all-around forward with scoring and playmaking ability should hit the ground running in the NBA and has the skill and physical ability to become a true contributor and a starter on a playoff team.<\/p>\n

16. G Isaiah Evans
\nDuke<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 18.6<\/p>\n

Last season, Isaiah Evans was a solid contributor at Duke on a team that included three lottery picks in Cooper Flagg, Kon Knuepel, and Khaman Maluach. He averaged 6.8 points in just 13.8 minutes per game.<\/p>\n

RELATED: Despite Cameron Boozer\u2019s Presence, Duke\u2019s Positional Weakness Could Necessitate Radical Jon Scheyer Change<\/a><\/p>\n

Now, Evans must step up and become a go-to option on a team that is once again stocked with uber-talented freshmen, including the Boozer twins. If the 6\u20197\u201d forward can become the three-level scorer he projects as, it wouldn\u2019t be a surprise to see him in the lottery as well next year.<\/p>\n

17. C Tomislav Ivi\u0161i\u0107
\nIllinois<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 20.8<\/p>\n

At 7\u20191\u201d, 255 pounds, Tomislav Ivisic is a throwback center who can score from all levels of the floor. He has a soft touch around the rim and is extra-tough to guard as a lefty. He also shot 35.7% from behind the arc last season for the Fighting Illini while averaging 13.0 points, 7.7 boards, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, his NBA prospects will be dictated by how he improves as a defender. Can he become an NBA-level rim protector, or is he destined to be another skilled offensive college big who lacks the foot speed to succeed in the pros?<\/p>\n

18. F\/C Flory Bidunga
\nKansas<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 22.1<\/p>\n

It\u2019s back-to-back left-handed bigs who come off the board in the 2026 NBA mock draft simulator as Kansas center Flory Bidunga sits just within the top 20. He is explosive athletically, and despite being just 6\u20199\u201d, the youngster could be a true NBA rim protector.<\/p>\n

Bidunga should flourish as a dunker and pick-and-roll partner with Peterson this season in Lawrence, improving on his 5.9 points per game last season. But it\u2019s his standalone offensive game development that will decide whether he can become a lottery pick ot not.<\/p>\n

19. G\/F Dame Sarr
\nDuke<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 23.0<\/p>\n

Dame Sarr is a 6\u20197\u201d Italian-Senegalese wing who comes to Duke via FC Barcelona. Despite being experienced and well-traveled at just 19, Sarr is still raw offensively and will have to show more polish for the Blue Devils to get selected high in Round 1.<\/p>\n

There is a lot of upside here, but the question is, will Sarr be able to improve on a deep and talented Duke team?<\/p>\n

20. G Brayden Burries
\nArizona<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 23.1<\/p>\n

Brayden Burries comes to Arizona as an accomplished 3-point shooter who shot 48.4% from three-point range at the NBPA Top 100 in 2024.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s also a dogged defender, although at 6\u20194\u201d, he doesn\u2019t have elite quickness to stay in front of the fastest or fast guards. Playing with Peat this season could help his stock as a third guard in the NBA.<\/p>\n

21. F JT Toppin
\nTexas Tech<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 24.5<\/p>\n

JT Toppin may not be related to NBA player Obi Toppin, but he sure plays like him. Texas Tech\u2019s Toppin is 6\u20198\u201d, 220 pounds, and is a tough, athletic power forward who may not be a star in the NBA but can absolutely carve out a solid role.<\/p>\n

2026 NBA Mock Draft: Wizards Get a Blue Chip Prospect, Brooklyn Chases Upside, More<\/a><\/p>\n

From his freshman campaign at New Mexico and his sophomore season for Tech, he went from 12.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game to 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds. If this trajectory continues and he becomes a true \u201c20-10 guy\u201d in college, his NBA stock will rise quickly.<\/p>\n

22. G Tahaad Pettiford
\nAuburn<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 24.6<\/p>\n

The Auburn point guard has elite speed and quickness, and even at 6\u20191\u201d, 170 pounds, that will be true at the NBA level as well. Tahaad Pettiford is a three-level scorer in college, and if he can continue to develop his playmaking, he could be an excellent NBA PG.<\/p>\n

He\u2019ll have to get better defensively and prove he can hold his own against bigger guards, but there is a lot of potential here, despite his size concerns.<\/p>\n

23. F Yaxel Lendeborg
\nMichigan<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 26.2<\/p>\n

Averaging 17.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per game at UAB last season, Yaxel Lendeborg flirted with the NBA draft this year but ultimately decided to transfer to Michigan.<\/p>\n

If he puts up similar numbers against the improved competition in the Big Ten, he could easily solidify his place as a first-round 2026 NBA Draft pick.<\/p>\n

24. F Donnie Freeman
\nSyracuse<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 27.2<\/p>\n

The 6\u20199\u201d Orange forward looks like a traditional, lengthy Syracuse big. Donnie Freeman is a good defender now, and that will translate at the NBA level.<\/p>\n

If he can push his 13.4-point-per-game scoring average closer to 20 this season, it will make him a prospect who will turn heads as the draft approaches.<\/p>\n

25. F Karter Knox
\nArkansas<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 28.0<\/p>\n

At 6\u20198\u201d, 220 pounds, Karter Knox has the frame to play in the NBA. He went from a 20-plus-points-per-game scorer in high school to averaging just 8.3 points as a freshman, so hopefully, he will take on more of the scoring load for the Razorbacks this season.<\/p>\n

The good news is Knox shot 35.0% from three-point range in his first collegiate campaign, and if that stays where it is or goes higher, the \u201c3-and-D\u201d potential is there.<\/p>\n

26. F\/C Magoon Gwath
\nSan Diego State<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 29.5<\/p>\n

Aztecs\u2019 big man Magoon Gwath is already a pro-level rim protector. The 7\u20190\u201d Sudanese-American prospect averaged a league-leading 2.6 blocks per game last season.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s still raw offensively, but will be worth a first-round selection in the 2026 NBA Draft due to his defensive prowess alone. If he can boost his 8.6-point scoring average, he\u2019ll become even more intriguing to NBA talent evaluators.<\/p>\n

27. F Alex Karaban
\nUConn<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 29.7<\/p>\n

Alex Karaban is a winner who has two NCAA titles under his belt entering his senior season at UConn.<\/p>\n

KEEP READING: \u2018Mark Pope Would Never\u2019 \u2014 Dan Hurley Under Fire After Past Interest To Quit UConn Surfaces<\/a><\/p>\n

He\u2019s a 34.7% career 3-point shooter, and as one of the leaders of the 2025-26 Huskies squad, if he can push that closer to 40% while upping his 5.9 attempts per game, he projects as a high-end \u201c3-and-D\u201d forward.<\/p>\n

28. G Boogie Fland
\nFlorida<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 30.4<\/p>\n

Transferring from Arkansas to Florida, Boogie Fland will have a chance to prove he can be a true point guard, not just an undersized high-volume shooter and scorer. At 6\u20192\u201d and just 170 pounds, Fland needs to get stronger and also improve on his playmaking and leadership.<\/p>\n

The talent is there, but he never quite put it altogether as a freshman.<\/p>\n

29. G Cayden Boozer
\nDuke<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 32.2<\/p>\n

Cameron Boozer\u2019s twin brother is a 6\u20194\u201d combo guard who doesn\u2019t have the size or strength his brother or father does. Still, he\u2019s a solid playmaker who will likely get to run the show at Duke this season with a hugely talented roster.<\/p>\n

Between his floor general skills and dogged defense, Cayden Boozer should be a solid backup point guard at worst in the NBA and has upside to become a starter who leads a team.<\/p>\n

30. F Alex Condon
\nFlorida<\/p>\n

Current NBA MDS ADP: 32.3<\/p>\n

The 7\u20190\u201d Gators center went from 7.7 points and 6.4 rebounds as a freshman to 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds last season on his way to a national championship.<\/p>\n

Alex Condon\u2019s defense, rebounding, and toughness will make him a solid NBA backup center. If his offensive game can develop in his junior season playing alongside the likes of Fland, scouts will see some starting center upside.<\/p>\n