top of page

2026 NBA Draft Big Board: Peterson, Dybantsa, and Boozer Leading the Way

Updated: Jan 9


It’s a new year, conference play is underway, and we have an updated 2026 NBA Draft Big Board. Darryn Peterson remains on top despite managing lingering injuries, AJ Dybantsa has turned up the heat, and Cameron Boozer has been as steady as they come, while Caleb Wilson continues to turn heads with his explosive play.


With teams now grinding through league schedules, this is when the evaluation takes a next-level turn. We have a strong foundation for where we stand with these prospects. Now we peel back the layers and dive deeper, as the matchups get tougher and the tests come weekly.


Every day is one step closer to draft night in June. Roll up your sleeves. It’s go time.


Lottery (1-14)


  1. Darryn Peterson – G, Kansas

This feels like one of those years where you could make a case for several different guys at the top. But I’m still sticking with Peterson. His injuries have made it a bit clunky early, but I trust what I saw at the grassroots level, and the limited Kansas sample has backed it up. This kid is a star in the making.


  1. AJ Dybantsa – F, BYU

Dybantsa has the physical tools and attributes you usually only see in video games. He has the full package, and it’s starting to look like he’s developing into a pro’s pro. When he decides to flip the switch, he can take over a game, and he’s been showing that lately. If you tell me he should be the No. 1 pick, I’m not pushing back.


  1. Cameron Boozer – F/C, Duke

He’s a physical force on the boards and around the paint, can shoot it with range, and really knows how to play. Cameron Boozer is a walking 20-and-10, like his dad. I know some see him as the top guy, and I’m not mad at that at all. The difference for me is that I don’t quite view him as having the same potential to become as much of an offensive engine as Peterson or Dybantsa. But the truth is, for us draft heads, we’re spoiled this year. Boozer looks like he’s on the right track to have a terrific NBA career.


  1. Caleb Wilson – F, North Carolina

One of the more pleasant surprises this season has been Caleb Wilson. I saw raw talent and athleticism at the prep level, but I wasn’t sure how he’d be used or exactly where his effectiveness would come early at North Carolina. He’s answered those questions quickly. I see him as a versatile face-up four who’s an absolute pogo stick. If you only watched his highlights, you’d think he’s already an NBA All-Star. But he’s still developing and maturing as a player, with plenty of room for growth. The upside is significant, and if there’s a player who can crack the top three, it’s Caleb Wilson.


  1. Kingston Flemings – G, Houston

And if you want to talk about pleasant surprises this season, Kingston Flemings has to be near the top of that list. He’s stepped into a deep Houston team led by legendary and demanding coach Kelvin Sampson, and he’s been given the reins as they keep rolling, which is beyond impressive. From a talent standpoint, Flemings’ poise and approach stand out, and he’s one of those players who just has “it.” Most specifically, similar to Jeremiah Fears last year, his most valuable trait is his ability to get to his spots at will, which consistently opens up opportunities to create and make plays. He’s dynamic.


  1. Jayden Quaintance – C, Kentucky

The evaluation process of Jayden Quaintance has been atypical. As a 17-year-old last season, we got a solid sample size of him as a non-draft-eligible freshman at Arizona State, and after recovering from a torn ACL, he’s back on the court at Kentucky. They’re seemingly bringing him along slowly. Still, his physical frame, wingspan, and ability to move his feet, paired with unique defensive instincts for a player his size, have me excited about his future. I question whether he’ll ever become a highly polished offensive player, but I’m not sure he necessarily needs to be to make a significant impact. The jury is still out, but Quaintance’s ceiling is very high.


  1. Nate Ament – F, Tennessee

I’ve seen some of the skepticism about Ament’s up-and-down performances this season, and while we’re seeing plenty of freshmen play beyond their years, I don’t want to lose sight of the fact that most freshmen are still going to have growing pains. At the end of the day, we’re talking about a 6'10" versatile wing who can put the ball on the floor and has shown flashes of shooting from outside and scoring on all three levels, including as a tough-shot maker. At this stage, evaluation is as much about projection as it is current production, if not more so, so envisioning what type of player Ament can become a few years from now is why he’s in this spot.



Kingston Flemings, Houston
Kingston Flemings, Houston


  1. Koa Peat – F, Arizona

I started the season watching Koa Peat explode onto the scene, helping Arizona upset the reigning champs, the Florida Gators. His physical power and explosion are hard to contain, and he has a go-to pull-up fadeaway that’s tough to stop. I’d like to see him consistently assert himself as more of an alpha, but it’s hard to nitpick too much when their team keeps winning. Peat is a unique, big-time talent, and the next step is figuring out whether he’s wired to be more of a complementary piece long term or poised to fully lean into his star potential.


  1. Mikel Brown Jr. – G, Louisville

I came into the season with lofty expectations for Mikel Brown Jr., and he’s been good. At 6'5", he can play on or off the ball and has a great feel for the game. But I still think he’s just scratching the surface. Long term, I see him as a versatile combo guard and high-level shooter who can use the pressure he creates as an outside threat to open up everything else. He hasn’t shot it as well as I believe he can yet, but I think he’ll get there; his potential is sky-high.


  1. Labaron Philon – G, Alabama

The most common narratives surrounding college basketball right now are NIL and everything that comes with it. Labaron Philon might be the new poster child for a player who chose to return to college and cash in on NIL despite legitimate NBA interest, and it’s a decision that’s looking like it will pay off in a big way. Philon has been terrific this season. He’s incredibly dynamic off the dribble and has a knack for making plays, hitting tough, crafty shots, and creating offense when it matters. He’s taken the steps in his development I had hoped he would. For emphasis, I’m going to say it again: Labaron Philon is dynamic with the ball in his hands.


  1. Braylon Mullins – G, UConn

The biggest takeaways from Mullins’ game are his shooting and his approach. At 6'6", he’s a shooter, and watching him, you can tell he’s a kid who puts real work into it because he plays like he believes every shot should go in. I love that confidence and mindset. More importantly, he’s not just an assertive shooter. He has the talent to be a high-level one, with a tight, quick, repeatable stroke. He’s also not your traditional stationary shooter. He moves extremely well without the ball and aggressively hunts his shot, making him hard to guard. Size, confidence, and versatile shooting ability with the potential to score in bunches? Yes, please and thank you.


  1. Tounde Yessoufou – G/F, Baylor

Tounde Yessoufou is a world-class athlete who’s wired to score, with the potential to do it on all three levels. He has a ton of talent and upside. If he continues developing as an outside threat, it changes a lot and opens up his entire game. I think he has the upside to become an efficient impact scorer at the next level, so I have him slotted high on my board, and I’m comfortable with it.


  1. Hannes Steinbach – C, Washington

Big, skilled, and steady, nothing flashy, just productive. Hannes Steinbach has been a reliable presence during his freshman season at Washington, playing with poise and a feel for the game that stands out. The German big isn’t going to wow you with highlight plays, but it’s easy to envision him becoming a starting-caliber center in the NBA, and that kind of value matters.


  1. Darius Acuff Jr. – G, Arkansas

Acuff is a dynamic on-ball guard who’s tough to contain in pick-and-roll and transition. When he’s rolling, he’s electric. He’s also a tough, chippy player who brings an edge. He’s been terrific for John Calipari at Arkansas and has delivered impressive production as an aggressive scorer, has shot the ball very well, and has continued to develop as a playmaker. His trajectory is heading the right way.



Labaron Philon, Alabama
Labaron Philon, Alabama


(15-30)


  1. Keaton Wagler – G, Illinois

As a 6'6" true freshman, Wagler is showing real promise as a shooter, scorer, and playmaker. He’s generating buzz.


  1. Cameron Carr – G, Baylor

Long, athletic, and effective as a shooter and scorer, Carr’s upward momentum is real.


  1. Karim Lopez – F, New Zealand Breakers

Lopez has the size, skill, and feel that make him one of the more intriguing young prospects.


  1. Chris Cenac Jr. – F/C, Houston

Big, mobile, and skilled, Cenac fits the mold of today’s modern big man.


  1. Thomas Haugh – F, Florida

An athletic, high-motor forward with versatility who contributes to winning.


  1. Yaxel Lendeborg – F, Michigan

Rare versatility for his size, Lendeborg does a bit of everything.


  1. Bennett Stirtz – G, Iowa

It’s been a movie-like rise for Stirtz, but his game is real. He's skilled, decisive, and ready for the big stage.


  1. Neoklis Avdalas – G/F, Virginia Tech

At 6'9", Avdalas is a jumbo creator with impressive flashes as both a scorer and facilitator.


  1. Christian Anderson Jr. – G, Texas Tech

A smart and skilled on-ball guard, Anderson Jr. blends shooting, crafty scoring, and playmaking.


  1. Brayden Burries – G, Arizona

A well-rounded guard whose game is starting to click. He’s been impressive for Arizona in recent games.


  1. Dash Daniels – G/F, Melbourne United

Daniels brings a lot to the table, especially on the defensive end, with the tools to develop into a strong two-way player.


  1. Isaiah Evans – G/F, Duke

Smooth and versatile with range, Evans offers intriguing scoring upside.


  1. Patrick Ngongba – C, Duke

Lacks quick-twitch athleticism, but his size, skill, and feel for the game are noteworthy.


  1. Henri Veesaar – C, North Carolina

After showing flashes at Arizona, Veesaar has taken the necessary next steps. He’s been terrific for the Tar Heels.


  1. Aday Mara – C, Michigan

At 7'3", Mara is a lot to deal with for opponents, especially with his high skill level. Improved physical development and conditioning would go a long way.


  1. Dame Sarr – G/F, Duke

Smooth, long, two-way threat with a lot of potential.



Neoklis Avdalas, Virginia Tech
Neoklis Avdalas, Virginia Tech


(31-40)



(41-60)


Preciser
bottom of page