While we are just over a month away from the 2025 NBA draft, the 2026 NBA Draft class is already shaping up to be strong, with several high-profile prospects already making waves.
While much can and will change over the next 12 months, NBA scouts and analysts are already excited about what they are seeing early on from the 2026 class. We take a look at the top 10 prospects for next year’s class.
Top 10 2026 NBA Draft Prospects
While BYU Cougars SF commit AJ Dybantsa has long been projected to be the top pick, Kansas commit Darryn Peterson and Duke commit Cameron Boozer are strong contenders for that position.
SF AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Dybantsa is one of the most highly recruited players coming out of high school in the past decade. He’s considered the best player in his class, has a 6’9 wing, is well-rounded, and brings elite talent to every aspect of the game.
He’s heading to BYU after finishing his senior season with Utah Prep, averaging 21 ppg and 13 rpg.
SG Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Darryn Peterson has committed to Kansas, and he brings a combination of size, length, and shot-creation prowess.
Peterson doesn’t have as much hype surrounding him as some of the other prospects, but his athleticism, ball-handling, and IQ were enough for him to climb to the top and make scouts start paying attention.
PF Cameron Boozer, Duke
Cameron Boozer, a power forward, has been consistently ranked high since his freshman year. He’s known for his all-around game and improving ball-handling.
Boozer, whose father played in the NBA for 13 years, is considered the most NBA-ready prospect in this draft class. According to ESPN, He is the most productive high school player and has a winning résumé unmatched by any prospect in recent memory. He has committed to Duke.
SF Nate Ament, Tennessee
Heading to Tennessee, Nate Ament is a fast-rising prospect with size and great length, plus a smooth jumper. In his junior year, he averaged about 20 ppg, eight rpg, and an astonishing four bpg. He had offers from Duke, Kentucky, and Louisville.
C Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
Cenac is heading to Houston, and he’s the third five-star commit to Houston in his class. He averaged 12 ppg and 8 rpg and stepped things up defensively, averaging 1.4 blocks and 1.1 steals.
In the 2024 FIBA Under-17 World Cup, the center helped the USA win gold by averaging nine points and six rebounds.
PF/C Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
The Kentucky transfer, who played his freshman season at Arizona State, is projected to be a lottery pick. He’s already ranking as one of the best shot blockers in college basketball.
SF Karim Lopez, International (Mexico)
Karim Lopez is considered the best Mexican basketball prospect of all time. He just finished his first professional season playing in the NBL in New Zealand.
He is 6’9 “but has guard skills, the physicality and intensity needed to put a body on big men, and an excellent motor and feel for the game.
PF Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
Caleb Wilson is another wing in a class full of that position. The North Carolina commit averaged 24 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 2.5 steals per game last season. A two-way threat, he’s considered one of the most complete players in the class.
PG Dash Daniels, International (Australia)
Dash Daniels is the younger brother of Atlanta Hawks star Dyson Daniels. He’s most likely going to be the youngest prospect in the 2026 draft class as he doesn’t turn 18 until mid-December.
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In Australia, Daniels currently plays for the NBL’s Melbourne United.
PG Mikel Brown, Louisville
A true point guard, the Louisville commit averaged 29 points per game and shot 41% from deep in his Senior year.
He won Naismith Boys High School Player of the Year, led the U18 USA team to gold, started all six games, and was nominated alongside Lebron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant as 5-on-5 Male Athlete of the Year.
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