The NBA has needed a draft class like this.
After a few years of underwhelming prospects beyond a slight handful, the 2026 college basketball class could be a special one when looking back in a few years’ time.
To add to the intrigue, there is no consensus top overall favorite. Three players have rotated with that “favorite” title, but there are some cons to each prospect to consider, too.
On top of that, several players beyond the top five, at minimum, have increased their stocks the longer the season has progressed. And they’ll get the chance to rise even further as March Madness gets rolling.
Let’s dive into some of the top prospects to know that’ll compete in this year’s NCAA Tournament:
Cameron Boozer, F, Duke
If that last name sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Cameron is the son of former NBA veteran Carlos Boozer. Carlos was the epitome of how power forwards operated over a decade ago — post scoring, rebounding and defensive anchoring without much floor spacing. Cameron is the epitome of how that position has evolved today.
Entering the NCAA Tournament, the 18-year-old Duke star is averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals on a 56.5/40.9/77.5 shooting split with 13.6/3.7/7.2 volume. Combining those numbers, his age and the potential to work with, Boozer should be atop every teams’ list as the No. 1-seeded Blue Devils seek a deep run.
AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU
Tall forwards who can handle the ball and create off the dribble are the real elevators who can lift a team’s ceiling. Boozer fits that mold, and so does Dybantsa. The 19-year-old BYU freshman is putting up some intriguing numbers of his own, averaging 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 steals across 34 games.
He’s shooting 51.3% overall, 34% from deep and 76.4% from the foul line on 17/4.1/8.4 volume. The Cougars are a No. 6 seed in March Madness, so they’ll need Dybantsa to do plenty of heavy lifting if a Cinderella run is in the cards — which would also bolster his stock. Boozer might have the slight edge, but it’s certainly close and a comparison worth following.
Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
If it’s not a lengthy, versatile forward, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has proven the formula can apply to lead guards. Peterson of the Jayhawks isn’t there yet in terms of initiating for others at a consistent level — as seen by his 1.7 assists per game — but he can still have a major influence thanks to his gravity.
Peterson, measuring around 6-foot-6, is averaging 19.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals on a 44/38/82.5 shooting split with 14.4/6.6/5.5 volume. The Kobe Bryant-lite and Anthony Edwards comparisons make sense, as his athleticism can create new shot angles paired with a bouncy leap. The biggest question marks involve his availability and hunger. This tournament may be telling, with Kansas a 4-seed.
Darius Acuff Jr., G, Arkansas
Acuff Jr. has a fitting name. He has the knack to take control of games by the scruff of the neck. The Arkansas freshman is not shy of the big moment and demands the ball when magic awaits. He’s averaging 22.9 points, 6.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 0.8 steals on a 48.6/44.5/80.4 shooting split with 16.2/5.8/5.7 volume.
The Razorbacks are a No. 4 seed, too, and will need Acuff Jr. to continue his form for a solid run, which could solidify him in top-five dialogues. His measurables may limit him at the moment, considering he’s 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds. Not many guards at that size nowadays can be a team’s best player, but he should make for a promising Robin to a Batman if he develops properly in the right context.
Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
Pivoting back to forwards, teams who miss out on Boozer, Dybantsa and the injured Caleb Wilson (UNC forward who could go top five but will miss the tournament due to injuries), Tennessee Volunteer’s Ament could be a pleasant compromise. Ament isn’t as gifted athletically and still needs more refining if he is to take a leap, but the 19-year-old freshman is averaging 17.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and one steal per game.
Ament is shooting 40.5% overall, 33% from deep and 78.9% from the foul line on 12.7/4.1/7.5 volume. The percentages would have to improve if he is to become at least a top three option on his future team, but a reliable role player at his size is a solid outcome, too. The Volunteers are a 6-seed.
Keaton Wagler, G/F, Illinois
For teams looking for a combo guard who can slide in at the 3 spot, Illinois freshman Wagler may be the best choice thus far. The 6-foot-6 Wagler is averaging 17.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 0.9 steals on a 44.6/40.2/80.5 shooting split with 12/5.8/6.1 volume.
He’s a smooth operator on and off the ball and doesn’t need to be at full pace to get leverage on his defender. Maybe he could be developed into a SGA-style point guard with more on-ball reps, but he’d need to land in the right situation first. The early numbers are propitious, with Illinois a 3-seed.
Kingston Flemings, G, Houston
Back to a lead point guard, the No. 2-seeded Cougars are anchored by freshman Flemings running the plays. The 6-foot-4 guard is averaging 16.4 points, 5.3 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals on a 47.5/39.2/83.9 shooting split with 12.8/3/3.6 volume. The Cougars should be getting him to shoot more given his percentages, which is a plus.
There’s plenty to like about his potential as a lead guard at the next level and how he can light up the court, but he’ll need to grow more into his body at 190 pounds, a similar situation to Acuff Jr. His speed is also more controlled than explosive, so developing new ways to generate separation will be vital. Fellow Cougar teammate Chris Cenac Jr. is also one to watch at center.
Honorable mentions
- Caleb Wilson, F, UNC: He won’t be involved due to injuries (and why he didn’t get a longer feature), but his defensive potential at 6-foot-10 is enticing, on top of averaging 19.8 points. He’ll need to improve from deep if he is to become the real deal, though.
- Labaron Philon Jr., G, Alabama: Familar first name to an NBA legend aside, the sophomore guard is averaging 21.7 points and has become a legitimate multi-level scorer for the No. 4 seed Crimson Tide. If he can bulk up, he can become a steal after the lottery.
- Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville: A 6-foot-5 guard for 6-seed Louisville, Brown Jr. loves to shoot from beyond the perimeter. But he has the speed, size and tenacity to develop into something riveting and could be a lottery contender with a positive tournament.