Top Six 2026 NBA Draft Prospects in College Basketball: Who’s in and Who’s Still Deciding?
The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft will take place on June 23rd, with players needing to declare for the draft around April 26th. Players can also withdraw after declaring, but must do so by mid-June, usually 10 days before the draft begins. This applies to underclassmen or international players, whereas college seniors don’t need to officially declare. The freshman class in college hoops this year was elite, with multiple players firing on all cylinders for their teams. Some big names include AJ Dybansta, Cameron Boozer, Braylon Mullins, Yaxel Lendeborg, Darryn Peterson, and Caleb Wilson.
Dybansta is a six-foot-nine-inch, 200-pound superstar who led the BYU Cougars to a successful season, averaging 25.5 points per game. A dominant, athletic wing, he can blow past defenders and finish at the rim or nail a jumper. His elite scoring helped the Cougars to a 23-12 record despite difficult opponents in their way. His talent has been known since high school, where he became the Massachusetts Player of the Year as a freshman. He also has a successful career with USA basketball, being named MVP of the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup. His impressive accolades and elite shot-making have experts comparing him to DeMar DeRozan and Jayson Tatum. He is projected as a top-three pick in this year's draft, although he still hasn’t officially declared yet. After BYU’s loss to Texas in the first round of the tournament, he was asked about his future, and his response was, “I don’t know. I’m going to have to talk to my mom.” An important decision for Dybansta, as he remains uncertain about his future, either with the Cougars or the NBA.
Boozer completed his astonishing freshman season with the Blue Devils, earning ACC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, along with the Naismith Trophy for 2026 National Player of the Year. The six-foot-nine-inch, 250-pound forward led Duke to the number one seed in March Madness and secured the ACC title. He is known for his elite strength and polished skill set as he dominates the paint, averaging 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. In Florida, Boozer was a multi-time Gatorade National Player of the Year, including titles at every level, such as AAU Peach Jam and multiple gold medals with USA Basketball. Boozer is also projected as a top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but hasn’t made anything official yet. After falling short in March to a last-second buzzer-beater, Boozer is debating staying with the Blue Devils for another year to play with his brother and compete for the national championship. His brother, Cayden Boozer, has confirmed he will return to Duke for his sophomore season, possibly affecting Cameron’s decision.
Mullins was the reason for Boozer’s exit in March after sinking the 35-footer to upset the top-seeded Blue Devils. His path remains uncertain as the six-foot-six-inch freshman guard continues to weigh his options. He is recognized as an elite shooter, shooting 40% from the three-point line this season. A former Indiana Mr. Basketball and McDonald’s All-American put the young star on UConn’s radar. He averaged 12 points per game and is known for his lockdown defense, averaging 1.4 steals per game. His high basketball IQ also shines through in his off-ball movement and impressive clutch performances. He is projected as a top 20 pick in the draft, but remains on the fence. UConn has gone through a tough offseason, losing multiple players to the transfer portal while also recruiting elite talent. A recent surgery Mullins underwent might play a role in his decision, depending on how NBA scouts see his progress. He remains uncertain about UConn or the NBA as time ticks away.
Lendeborg was the one who stood in Mullins’ way of winning a national championship after Michigan defeated UConn for the hardwood. The six-foot-nine-inch, 240-pound forward declared for the draft in early April after cutting down the nets with a dominant performance. The 2026 First-Team All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year helped the Wolverines in their dominant run to the championship. His versatile skill set and elite rebounding were on full display, as he broke UAB’s single-season rebounding record with 420 before transferring to Michigan. He is exactly what NBA teams want and is projected as a top 15 pick in the draft.
Peterson is a six-foot-six-inch guard who is considered a top contender for the number one pick in the draft. His impressive wingspan and elite scoring put him up for the best in the draft, as his polished playmaking compares him to a star like Devin Booker. He thrives in pick-and-roll opportunities, either driving to the hoop or finding open shooters. He is also known for his competitive on-ball defending with good instincts, as he disrupts opponents' offensive rhythm and takes over in games. The main concern for Peterson is injuries, as he faced multiple injuries in his 2025-26 season, including hamstring and ankle injuries, which kept him out of big games for the Jayhawks. He was the 2025 Naismith Trophy Boys High School Player of the Year, McDonald's All-American, and Gold Medalist with USA Basketball in 2023 for FIBA U16. Peterson has not officially declared for the draft or entered the transfer portal. Another season with the Jayhawks could be brewing as scouts and fans await his decision.
Lastly, Wilson is a highly athletic, six-foot-ten-inch forward who completed his freshman season with North Carolina. He is a top NBA draft prospect known for his elite, versatile defense and two-way play. He averaged roughly 20 points and 11 rebounds a game before a season-ending injury. His athleticism puts him amongst the best in the country, capable of defending any opponent on the floor. He is an offensive weapon with elite rim pressure, having 66 dunks in just 24 games. He was named the 2025 Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year and immediately impacted the Tar Heels' roster before his injuries. Despite these, he is still considered one of the top draft prospects and should thrive at the next level. The freshman star officially entered the draft on April 13th, hoping to be chosen as a top-five pick.
All these players and much more still await their futures, whether that’s the NBA team they’ll play on or the college team they'll stay for. This class has an incredible amount of talent that the NBA draft hasn’t seen in a while, with many freshmen hoping to make a mark on the next level. For some, the first day of the draft on June 23rd is awaited, while others have big decisions to make in the next few weeks. Whether they’ve declared or remain undecided, one thing remains certain—the next wave of NBA talent is here, and the league is waiting.
