The 2026 NBA Draft Combine finally begins later in Chicago as some of the top prospects in the country head to the Wintrust Arena as they try to impress team scouts ahead of the NBA draft. They will be tested on their skill through scrimmages and drills, and it seems that the ones to watch will be Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa. However, there are also several players to watch out for, as they might steal the show.
5 Players Who Could Shine Bright During the NBA Draft Combine
Center Tarris Reed Jr., Uconn
Reed may not be a true seven-footer, but at 6’11, he can throw down with much bigger opponents. He comes into the NBA Draft Combine as pretty underrated despite almost averaging a double double with 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. His passing and scoring still need some work, but his defensive prowess is the one that could attract many teams should he perform well in the scrimmages.
Center Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
Unlike Reed, Cenac is still a freshman but has decided to test his luck in the NBA after just one year of college basketball. Cenac is also a defensive powerhouse of a center and was one of the Cougars’ main anchors this season.
He only averaged 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game last season, but he has shown that he could explode to become a double-double machine, recording 17 points and 14 rebounds against Darryn Peterson’s Kansas to help lead the Cougars to a 69-47 win.
Small Forward Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor
Another freshman, this Beninese small forward was considered one of the most explosive high school players but was inconsistent in college. He was originally seen as a Top 5 pick but after a few bad performances, his stock took a hit. However, when he is good, he is explosive and dangerous, so if this version of him shows up at the NBA Draft Combine, scouts may be reevaluating their stock of him.
Point Guard Braden Smith, Purdue
At 6’0, Braden Smith is often considered a bit short for an NBA point guard, but he has proven himself time and time again, averaging 14.3 points, 8.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals this season, making him an effective floor general for one of the best teams in college basketball.
Power Forward Cameron Boozer, Duke
This one could come as a surprise as Boozer is often seen as a possible Top 3 pick, but he has been living in the shadows of Dybantsa and Peterson that many disregard him despite leading Duke far deeper than Dybantsa or Peterson than any of their respective teams. Many have overlooked him ever since high school, focusing more on the Dybantsa-Peterson debate while he won the national title for Columbus.
Read More:
Andrej Stojakovic NBA Draft: Can Illinois Star Still Return To College Basketball?
Dusty May’s 2025 Contract Extension: How Much Does Michigan’s HC Earn?
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
