The Brooklyn Nets are nearing the end of their 2025-26 NBA season after enduring another rebuilding campaign that will hopefully provide them with their next franchise player via the 2026 NBA Draft. Brooklyn has been trying to win as many games as possible while developing the younger players on the team, but the Nets are also hoping to get lucky for the Draft.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Nets selected five players from the 2025 NBA Draft: guard Egor Demin, guard Nolan Traore, forward Drake Powell, guard Ben Saraf, and forward Danny Wolf. While each of the rookies have had their fair share of successes and struggles, Brooklyn still needs more talent on the roster if it is going to compete as soon as next season.
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That’s not to say that these rookies won’t be a factor in the rotation next season, but the Nets are where they are in the Lottery standings for a reason given how much the team has struggled this year. With that being said, here are five players to pay attention to in Monday’s NCAA Tournament National Championship Game between Michigan and Connecticut that could be draft prospects for the Nets (with the help of Tankathon’s Big Board):
Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan
Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
At this point in the NBA Draft calendar, Lendeborg has proven that he’s worthy of a Lottery pick after what he’s done for the Wolverines. While Lendeborg is playing through an injury on Monday, he is coming off an 11-point, three-rebound performance against Arizona in the Final Four.
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Braylon Mullins, G, UConn
Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) shoots over Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Mullins has had some solid performances for the Huskies throughout the NCAA Tournament, including hitting a huge three-pointer against Illinois in the Final Four. Mullins is expected to be taken towards the end of the Lottery so he could be outside Brooklyn’s range, but a lot can change between now and the Draft.
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) in action against Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Mara is expected to be taken towards the end of the first round, but if he slips a few spots, he could be taken with the Nets’ earliest second-round pick. Mara has shown his ability to protect the rim and score around the basket this year, but his 26-point, nine-rebound outing against Arizona likely elevated his stock.
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Morez Johnson Jr., F, Michigan
Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) rebounds the ball against Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Johnson had been part of one of the country’s best frontcourts thanks to his ability to play around Lendeborg and Mara while being efficient with his offensive touches. Johnson could be within Brooklyn’s range given that he’s firmly expected to be a second-round pick and the Nets could look to change the frontcourt.
Alex Karaban, F, UConn
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – APRIL 04: Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Karaban had a hot start to the NCAA Tournament thanks to his overall scoring output, but predictably so, the competition has stiffened since the first weekend. Karaban is another one of the players projected to be a second-round pick so if the Nets want to add more shooting to the roster, he could be the pick.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 5 Nets 2026 NBA Draft prospects to watch in NCAA Championship Game