Saturday, June 20, 2026

NBA Draft 2026: Top 30 Big Board

A.J. Dybantsa, BYU
 1. Darryn Peterson, G/F, Kansas

Strengths: 

  • Elite three-level scoring ability from all areas on the court
  • Ideal wing build for the modern NBA
  • Not afraid of the moment - seemed to play his best basketball in the biggest moments and most important games for Kansas
  • Underrated as a defender; averaged 1.4 steals per game with the Jayhawks
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Is he 100 percent after an injury-riddled season in Lawrence? Was that season an aberration or the ongoing norm?
  • Real questions about his conditioning - even when he did play, he averaged under 30 minutes in his one season of college ball. Is he ready for longer, more physical games in the NBA with even less rest?
  • Can he grow as a playmaker? He wasn't asked to pass or distribute the ball much at Kansas, but his assist numbers were still shockingly low for a lead guard
Bust Potential: Moderate

The Take: Darryn Peterson takes the cake as the best of the best in a loaded draft class. It's rare you see a player at his age, just 19 years old, who is this polished as an offensive player. He can get to the rim with his size, he's crafty in the mid-range, and he shot 38% from three in college. Add in the fact he gets to the foul line and shoots over 80% there, you can imagine Peterson coming into the NBA and immediately carrying the scoring load. It was a strange one-season pit stop at Kansas given how many games he sat out, and how many games he was played from early. It's fair if NBA teams have concerns about that, but this is the type of prospect you can't pass on. If he is healthy, I have little doubt he grows into a perennial All-Star, potential even a superstar, in the pros.

2. A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU

Strengths:
  • Jaw-dropping athleticism - almost sure to be an instant highlight reel regular
  • Impacts the game in just about every way, as he can score, set up his teammates, and is a relentless rebounder
  • Seems to still be growing into his frame at 6'10" and 215 pounds, with a seven-foot wingspan
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Can he grow as a shooter? He may not need to, but if he can bump up his 33% shooting from three, he becomes even more dangerous offensively
  • Needs to grow as a decision-maker, after averaging three turnovers per game in college. With how much the ball was in his hands that was expected, but it must improve
Bust Potential: Low

The Take: In just about any other NBA Draft, sans the Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James years, A.J. Dybantsa would almost surely be the consensus No. 1 prospect. He lived up to the hype during his lone season at BYU, averaging 25.5 points per game on 51% shooting. His athleticism and finishing ability should make him an instant sensation in the pros, but he can impact the game in so many different ways. The scoring is one thing, but Dybantsa's rebounding, passing, and defensive ability are going to upgrade any roster he lands on - with the Wizards the overwhelming favorite. 

3. Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

Strengths: 
  • Two-way force who looked the part during his one season in Chapel Hill
  • Still growing on offense, but carries with him significant upside on that end
  • Should instantly make an impact as a defender, with long arms, superb quickness, and excellent anticipation
  • His outsized impact became clear when injury forced him to miss the conclusion of his freshman season
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • There is work to be done on the offense. He'll have to learn how to play without the ball in his hands in the pros, which likely means improving as a shooter 
  • Needs to fill out his frame to compete with NBA bigs, but he has all the tools to be an imposing presence immediately
  • Wilson knows how to get to the foul line, but bumping up his 71% shooting there would take him to a whole other level on offense
Bust Potential: Low

The Take: The next in a long line of North Carolina greats is on the way in Caleb Wilson. The 6'10" forward immediately became the heart and soul of the Heels over his freshman season, as their best offensive player and a real demon on the defensive end. Wilson can score in a lot of different ways, but it's the little things I notice with him. He has outstanding footwork for his size and age, excellent vision as a passer, and the feel for the game you often just can't teach. If he does indeed last until pick No. 4 to Chicago, which appears the most likely destination, the Bulls get a steal here. I prefer him over his Tobacco Road rival, Cam Boozer.

4. Cam Boozer, F, Duke

Strengths: 
  • Polished offensive player with a throwback back-to-the-basket game
  • At 6'10", 250 pounds, he can bully opponents in the paint, and is still just 18 years of age
  • A capable floor spacer who shot the ball well from the field, three-point, and free throw line in college
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Boozer will not have the size advantage in the pros that he retains in college, which is such a large part of his game. There will certainly be an adjustment period as acclimates to NBA defenders
  • As impressive as his size is, it limits his burst and overall athleticism on the court
  • Still has room to grow as a defender, and may struggle against quicker forwards

Bust Potential: Moderate

The Take: A Duke legacy who joined the Blue Devils with his twin brother Cayden, Cam Boozer was as good as advertised in his lone season in Durham. The ACC Player of the Year was one of the most consistent freshman in the country, and displayed an ability to score in the paint, in mid-range, and from three-point territory. His footwork and overall feel for the game is quite reminiscent of his former All-Star father, but he has an even more imposing physical profile at just 18 years of age. Boozer's real strength is the ability to back down defenders and finish around the rim at a high level, which he used to overpower opponents all season long. I do have concerns how much that will translate to the next level, so it is important he can complement it with a solid inside-out game. Yet another prospect who would almost surely be the No. 1 overall pick in a NBA Draft class that isn't as stacked as this year's group.

5. Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas

Strengths:
  • A well-rounded floor general who seemed to get better each and every night for a Sweet 16 Arkansas Razorbacks team
  • Shot the ball well everywhere in college, including 81% from the free throw line and 44% from three-point range
  • Plays much larger than his 6'3" frame may suggest, and excels at finishing through contact
  • A superb distributor, with a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Acuff may player larger than it, but at the end of the day he is an undersized point guard by modern NBA standards
  • Is likely going to be attacked on the pick-and-roll in the NBA until he proves he can defend it consistently
  • A strong player, but one without the quickness or burst of other top guards in the pros
Bust Potential: Low

The Take: The latest in a long line of John Calipari guards, Darius Acuff is a high-scoring floor general who was the fuel of the Arkansas offense this winter. Acuff was consistently outstanding, but also seemed to elevate his play in key moments - his 30-point, 11 assist performance in a win in the SEC Championship over Vanderbilt was quite the statement to NBA scouts. His size is a limitation, at least as he makes the jump to the NBA, particularly when you add in the fact he's not particularly quick. Yet with his well-rounded offensive game, I don't have any doubts he's going to be able to adjust and score in the pros. Learning from Calipari is quite the good omen coming out of college.

6. Brayden Burries, G, Arizona

Strengths:
  • Winning basketball player who elevates those around him when he's on the court
  • Versatile offensive player with a polished offensive repertoire
  • Plays in complete control - is never going to be sped up or taken off balance
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Playing on a superb Arizona team, Burries was never asked to do too much in college. Can he reach another gear on a bad NBA team?
  • A skilled passer, but the assist numbers never seemed to show up the way you may have expected. He will need to improve as a playmaker if he will survive the pros
Bust Potential: Low

The Take: Other prospects may offer more upside than Brayden Burries, but this is one of my favorite prospects in this cycle. Burries doesn't do just one or two things well, he's a well-rounded guard who simply makes the team better when he's on the court. He can score without forcing things, is a skilled distributor, and a rock-solid defender. He is built to be a reliable combo guard for years to come - perhaps he never becomes a superstar, but he's a prospect that I would be shocked if he busts. Someone is going to get great value in the mid-lottery by selecting the Arizona product.

7. Keaton Wagler, G/F, Illinois

Strengths: 
  • Explosive offensive scorer who can take over games 
  • A crafty shot creator who can score in isolation, off-the-dribble, and off the ball
  • Ideal size, at 6'6", with the ability to play and defend multiple positions
  • Plays with an IQ and understanding of the game well beyond his 19 years of age
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Will need to fill out his frame to compete with the physicality of NBA wings
  • Does not own a particularly quick first step, which often means he needs to create through contact or take contested shots
  • Will need to develop more consistency to be a regular contributor at the NBA level
Bust Potential: Moderate

The Take: Few freshman in college basketball improved their stock as much as Keaton Wagler this past winter. Wagler outshone veteran talent on this Illinois team this past season, averaging 17.9 PPG and 4.2 APG on 45% shooting. There were moments he wasn't just the best player on the floor, but he simply could not miss, including a 46-point outburst against Purdue and 34-point showing against Wisconsin. As an NBA prospect, he plays with a maturity and feel that you don't often see at his age, and he is an ideal size for the pros at 6'6". Wagler will need to bulk up and the lack of quickness could limit his overall upside, but his offensive game is the type that should certainly translate to the pros. It seems more and more likely he comes off the board fifth overall to the Los Angeles Clippers, with the top four essentially set in stone at this point in the process.

8. Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston

Strengths:
  • A fearless shot-taker with seemingly limitless range
  • Very quick with the ball in his hands, and able to slither into difficult lanes and finish
  • A skilled passer who grew in that area in a major way over the course of his time with Houston
  • Will get to the free throw line and make them count, hitting 85% at the line this past season
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Does he have the build to survive the NBA? He was listed at 6'4" while at Houston, but measured in at 6'2.5" barefoot at the Combine
  • Needs to improve his shot selection - he can make some tough ones, but he won't be able to get away with many of the things he did in college
Bust Potential: Moderate

The Take: We have become so accustomed to veteran guards leading the way for Kelvin Sampson's Houston Cougars, it was a breath of fresh air to see Kingston Flemings shine as a true freshman this past winter. Flemings was yet another freshman phenom that could just took over games with his shooting ability and speed with the ball in his hands. As a pro prospect, I am a bit wary of his size - it's not just the measurements at the Combine, but the fact he looked small out there in college. You do worry he's going to be taken advantage of in the pros, and his shooting will need to be there from the get-go to offset that question mark. One thing I don't see talked about enough with Flemings: he's a relentless on-ball defender. He really bought into Sampson's culture at Houston, and that's a major reason why he played so much so early. That type of toughness and grit is something far too undervalued in today's NBA, and bodes well for Flemings wherever he lands.

9. Labaron Philon Jr., G, Alabama

Strengths:
  • Explosive scorer featuring a much improved three-point shot
  • Skilled, shifty ball-handler able to change direction and get downhill 
  • Acrobatic finisher in the paint able to overcome potential size disadvantages
  • Confident offensive player - is not going to be afraid of the big stage of the NBA
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Will need to bulk up his frame to survive the physicality of the NBA
  • Needs significant work as a defender - struggled with consistency and lapses throughout his time at Alabama
Bust Potential: Moderate

The Take: Labaron Philon Jr. was a pleasant surprise as a true freshman for Alabama in 2024-25, but he took his game to a whole other level this past winter. Philon averaged 22 points and five assists per game, showcasing improved decision-making and a much improved three-point shot. That three-point shooting has a chance to differentiate him from some of the other guards set to go in the mid-to-late lottery. He shot nearly 40% on the year, while shooting twice as many from that territory. It was no fluke, as his mechanics and overall feel just felt different for the Crimson Tide this winter. Philon does have room to grow as a defender but with his playmaking ability and explosiveness, he has all the looks of a player that will make an immediate impact at the pro level.

10. Aday Mara, F/C, Michigan

Strengths: 
  • Already an established rim protector who blocked 2.6 per game in his lone year at Michigan, and impacted far more
  • Moves incredibly well for his 7'3" size, should have no issues running the floor in the NBA
  • A much better offensive game than he gets credit for, who can score in the paint and in the mid-range effectively
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Was only asked to play 23.4 minutes per game during his time at Michigan, as the Wolverines leaned on Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. Can his conditioning survive the pro level?
  • Needs to get better at the free throw line, as he hit just 56% from the line this past season
  • Has he reached his peak at 21 years old? Or is there another gear he can hit as he transitions to the NBA?
Bust Potential: Low

The Take: Dusty May's ability to secure the right talent in the portal was the key to his National Title run at Michigan this season, with Aday Mara as a prime example. Mara played sparingly over two seasons at UCLA before transferring in to Ann Arbor, where he immediately anchored a smothering interior defense. Mara should be an elite rim protector from Day One in the pros, with his 7'3" size and ability and his body control to avoid fouls. Despite that size, Mara can run the floor, rotate incredibly well on defense, and has a solid all-around offensive game. He's likely always going to be pegged as a defensive specialist who can bring some offense, but I do wonder if there's another level he can reach on offense. With his mobility, if he can develop an even more effective jump shot, he could be one of the bigger surprises of this NBA Draft.

11. Mikel Brown, G, Louisville

Strengths:
  • Ideal build for a combo guards in today's NBA, standing 6'5" with a 6'7" wingspan
  • Potent isolation scorer with a smooth and well-rounded offensive repertoire
  • Skilled ball-handler and excellent distributor who can read the floor very well, particularly in transition
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • The production didn't always meet the talent during his one season at Louisville. Was that merely him acclimating to the collegiate game, or a sign of things to come?
  • Brown wasn't a particular efficient player and shot selection must improve. His 41% shooting from the field and 34% from three leave a lot to be desired
  • He'll make some truly incredible passes, but follow it one up with some head-scratching turnovers. That may just be a sign of a young playmaking guard, but it will need to be cleaned up at the next level
Bust Potential: Moderate

12. Hannes Steinbach, F/C, Washington

Strengths: 
  • Legitimate seven-footer with a touch and feel around the rim well beyond his 20 years of age
  • Incredibly productive during his one season at Washington while being extremely efficient
  • Seems to still be growing into his body, and has the potential to grow into an even more imposing presence on the block
  • One of the best rebounding bigs this cycle, with a relentless energy on the offensive glass
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Has the potential to grow into more of a floor-spacing big, but offensive game is limited to in the paint and mid-range at his point
  • Needs to learn to be a better passer, especially passing out of double teams. Too often was a black hole on offense, but part of that may be attributed to the lack of talent around him
  • A solid defender, but not as impactful on the defensive end as you would expect, given his size
Bust Potential: Low

13. Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara

Strengths:
  • An advanced metrics darling with the versatility to play any number of roles in the NBA
  • One of the best defenders in this Draft who can defend multiple spots and create dysfunction for opposing offenses
  • An elite passer for his position, as a former point guard who hit a late growth spurt
  • Floor-spacing ability with the potential to grow into a three-level scorer as he rounds out his post game
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Solid athlete, but may have a tough time going up against stronger and more athletic pros
  • Came off the bench in his one season at Santa Clara, will need to demonstrate he can play major minutes at a high level against even better competition
  • A bit of a tweener- slightly undersized for an NBA four, but may be too slow to play the three
Bust Potential: Low

14. Nate Ament, F, Tennessee

Strengths:
  • The athleticism is off the charts, with elite dunking and finishing ability 
  • Looks the part of an NBA pro at 6'10" with long arms
  • Proven ability to use his frame to find contact and get to the free throw line, hitting at a much higher rate than expected at Tennessee
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • The offensive game still needs a lot of work. We know he can have the flashy dunks and get to the stripe, but the other parts are a major work in progress
  • The numbers at Tennessee weren't super encouraging and he struggled to impact games on a regular basis. Ament has to prove there's more substance to his game than just flash
  • Real health concerns involved with him. Knee and ankle problems could seriously limit his burst as an athlete
Bust Potential: High

15. Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan

Strengths:
  • A skillset that matches the modern game, Yaxel Lendeborg is a skilled, versatile forward with legitimate two-way ability
  • A bit undersized for the four by NBA standards, but more than makes up for it with a staggering 7'4" wingspan
  • Does just about everything on the stat sheet at a high level, from scoring and passing to rebounding and defense
  • Rapid improvement over his final two collegiate seasons seems to indicate there is still untapped potential
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • At nearly 24 years of age, he is the oldest prospect available in this Draft, likely capping his long-term upside
  • He has matured significantly, but there have been questions about his attitude and commitment in the past
  • Has improved in a major way offensively, but can be predictable off-the-dribble and shot mechanics still need refinement
Bust Potential: Moderate

16. Karim Lopez, G/F, Mexico

Strengths:
  • Ideal size and build for the modern NBA, standing 6'9" with a wingspan measuring in at 7'0"
  • Despite the size, a skilled ball-handler who has a chance to feast on smaller defenders in the pros in smaller lineups
  • Smooth offensive playmaker with significant potential if he can develop a more consistent jump shot
  • Instinctive defender who has a chance to evolve into a difference-maker on that end
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Lopez has a chance to become knockdown shooter, as the mechanics and overall look are there, but still work to do at 19 years old
  • Some question his confidence and assertiveness - does he have the attitude he needs to survive in the NBA?
  • Difficult to gauge his level of competition has compared to some of the college prospects in this Draft
Bust Potential: Moderate

17. Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa

Strengths:
  • Well-rounded floor general who had no issues making the jump from the mid-majors to power conference basketball
  • Plays in complete control at all times - will not get sped up or off-balance, even in high-pressure situations
  • Elevates the entire team with his playmaking and high basketball IQ
  • A relentless competitor who is going to give his all on every given night
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Not an elite athlete as compared to others at his position in this Draft or currently in the league
  • Older prospect who will be 23 years by the start of next NBA season, limiting his long-term ceiling
  • May have difficulty creating the space he needs in the pros without the burst or strength oftentimes necessary
Bust Potential: Low

18. Cameron Carr, G/F, Baylor

Strengths:
  • Took a massive leap from his time at Tennessee to Baylor and seems to just be scratching the surface of what he can be in the pros
  • Well-built combo guard with three-and-D potential at 6'6"
  • Superb athlete who will wow fans with his highlight reel dunking ability
  • Displayed a much improved stroke this past season and should continue to grow as a floor-spacing wing
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Carr didn't seem to move the needle much in impacting winning on a bad Baylor team this past winter
  • Defensive potential is certainly there, but far too many lapses and lack of attention to detail
  • Shot selection and overall playmaking on the offensive end remains far too inconsistent
19. Dailyn Swain, G/F, Texas

Strengths:
  • Another prospect built in the 3-and-D mold who offers ample versatility
  • Constant energy - is going to carve out a role in the NBA with his activity and high motor
  • Impact goes far beyond the stat sheet with his rebounding prowess and defensive ability
  • Displayed much improved shooting touch this past season at Texas and has potential to round out his offensive game
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Still incredibly raw - likely more of a role player in the league unless he makes significant strides
  • A fearless playmaker, but an often careless one who turned the ball over far too often in college
  • Will likely need to adjust his shooting mechanics, as his shot is slow and low-to-the-ground
Bust Potential: Low

20. Jack Kayil, G, Germany

Strengths:
  • One of the more intriguing prospects in this Draft if he can put the tools all together 
  • Excellent feel for the game that you almost can't coach, who puts his teammates in position to score
  • Great build - offers length at nearly 6'3" but well-built guard who should be able to keep up with the physicality of the NBA
  • Solid free throw shooter who has a chance to live at the line in the pros
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Kayil shows no fear as a shooter, but the numbers have been ugly at the highest levels of competition
  • Will have to be more efficient if he is able to survive in the NBA
  • Not particularly quick, so will need some help if he is going to survive as an on-ball or pick-and-roll defender
Bust Potential: High

21. Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State

Strengths:
  • Elite passer for his position who averaged nearly five assists per contest his final season at Iowa State
  • Able to play both forward positions at a high level, offering significant positional versatility
  • Superb feel around the rim, with potential to continue growing as a floor-spacing forward
  • Intelligent, savvy prospect with a ton of experience playing high-level, competitive basketball
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Despite his impact in getting steals, Jefferson occasionally struggled to defend in the paint, which may limit his role in the pros
  • As another older prospect at 23 years of age, is this the best we are going to get from him? Or, is there still untapped potential?
  • Not considered an elite athlete who may struggle to keep up with quicker bigs with more burst
Bust Potential: Low

22. Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford

Strengths:
  • One of the smoothest, most entertaining ball-handlers I've ever seen coming out of the college ranks
  • Extremely creative playmaker who finds ways to create space by keeping defenders off-balance
  • May be undersized at 6'2", but packs a lot of punch with his strength
  • Despite that 6'2" height, his 6'7" wingspan allows him to get hands in passing lanes and disrupt opposing offenses
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Can he be as effective when playing off-ball? At Stanford, Okorie did it all, but it's unlikely he'll have the ball that often in the pros 
  • The 6'2" height is a major weakness - he may get matchup hunted in the NBA
  • Much of his success came late in the shot clock, when he was able to beat defenders off the dribble. Is that replicable in the NBA? 
Bust Potential: Moderate

23. Isaiah Evans, G/F, Duke

Strengths:
  • Made major strides from freshman to sophomore season at Duke, and has further room to grow
  • A pure shooting stroke who has the chance to develop into a true knockdown shooter in the pros
  • Potential to be a puree scorer who can create off the dribble and knock down spot up opportunities
  • Prototypical size for a modern wing at 6'6"
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Needs to bulk up and add to his frame to survive in the NBA
  • Not an elite defender who could be a weak spot on the other end of the floor
  • Struggles to create for others, a limited playmaker at this point in his development
Bust Potential: Low

24. Chris Cenac, F, Houston

Strengths:
  • Looks like a seasoned NBA pro at 6'11" with long arms and legs
  • Superb athlete who will make an immediate impact as a rim runner
  • Relentless rebounder on the glass with anticipation well beyond his years
  • Potential to play the four or five at the NBA level
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Struggled to make the impact that was expected of him during his one season at Houston - was it merely being a freshman in power conference ball, or a sign of things to come?
  • Offensive game needs significant work - struggles to score when not around the rim
  • Cenac can get in foul trouble quickly and needs to improve body control 
Bust Potential: Moderate

25. Christian Anderson, G, Texas Tech

Strengths:
  • Took a major leap this past season at Texas Tech, developing into one of the best guards in the Big 12
  • Shooter with limitless range who is at his best shooting from the corners
  • Savvy passer who excels in the pick-and-roll
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • At 6'2", Anderson's size is a major concern - opponents are going to look for ways to exploit it
  • A bit of a tweener - can play the one, but likely more of an off-ball guard in the pros
  • Solid defender, but likely needs to continue growing on that end to last 
Bust Potential: Moderate

26. Koa Peat, F, Arizona

Strengths: 
  • Well-built combo forward with ideal size and toughness for the modern NBA
  • Brings a throwback offensive game to the equation, with the ability to get into the paint and finish through contact
  • Much more than just a scorer - an underrated passer and persistent threat on the boards
  • Much better decision-maker than you might expect for a 19-year old
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Offensive game will still need to round out, as he struggles to score outside the paint
  • Still growing as a defender, and didn't make the impact as a rim protector that was expected of him
  • Free throw shooting was a problem - the stroke looks okay, but it almost looks to be a mental challenge
Bust Potential: Moderate

27. Morez Johnson, F/C, Michigan

Strengths:
  • Hard-working presence on the block who has the size to succeed at 6'10" with a 7'3" wingspan
  • Despite that size, moves incredibly well and able to defend smaller, quicker players
  • Very efficient around the rim who has a chance to eat on lobs and easy buckets 
  • Seems like the type of prospect who may never average 20 a night, but whose impact will be far beyond the scoring column
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Still rather limited in what he can be offensively, never going to be a guy you run the offense through
  • Good defender, but still has a lot of work to do to become an impactful rim protector
Bust Potential: Low

28. Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas

Strengths:
  • Explosive scoring guard with the tools to become a potent isolation scorer in the pros
  • Fearless shot-maker who plays with confidence on any given night
  • His numbers backed it up, averaging 15.4 PPG on great shooting numbers
  • More of a shooting guard, but experience playing point in high school shows in his control and feel for the game
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Can force things offensively, resulting in poor shots on turnovers
  • Often took a backseat behind Acuff during their one season at Arkansas - can he be the lead guard on an NBA team?
  • Some questions about his size, as he measured in at 6'3" barefoot at the Combine
Bust Potential: Low

29. Jayden Quaintance, F/C, Kentucky

Strengths:
  • Physical specimen who dominated the high school ranks before coming to college early
  • Natural, fluid athlete with highlight-reel dunking ability
  • Tremendous rebounder, especially on the offensive end
  • Still growing, at just 18 years of age after two seasons of college basketball
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Coming off a significant knee injury that cost him nearly all of the 2025-26 season. Could that stall his development?
  • Offensive game is still incredibly raw, is still a project
  • Simply has not played the minutes of high-level college basketball as others in this class
Bust Potential: High

30. Braden Smith, PG, Purdue

Strengths:
  • Savvy floor general who consistently put Purdue in position to win games over his time in West Lafayette
  • Established playmaker who rarely turns the ball over
  • Plays with pace and a superb feel for the game
  • Smith really grew into his own as a scorer over his college career, including a much improved three-point shot
Weaknesses / Questions:
  • Simply not as good of an athlete as other guards available this year
  • Measures in at barely six feet - does not have the size at the position the NBA is looking for
  • We essentially know who Smith is at this point in his career. He has a chance to be a solid pro, but there's unlikely any major leap coming at the next level
Bust Potential: Moderate

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