2026 NBA Draft Big Board: Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer Lead the Early Rankings
- Matt Babcock
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
The 2026 NBA Draft Big Board arrives as the new college season tips off, and expectations are sky-high. Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer headline a group filled with star power and intrigue, while Nate Ament and Mikel Brown Jr. round out an early top tier brimming with potential. With the season just beginning, this ranking offers a first look at how the 2026 NBA Draft class could take shape as players look to prove themselves under the spotlight.
Top 10
Darryn Peterson – G, Kansas
A 6-foot-6 guard who does it all, Peterson has the tools and the temperament to live up to the lofty expectations.
AJ Dybantsa – F, BYU
Dybantsa has elite tools and two-way potential — a matchup nightmare with superstar upside.
Cameron Boozer – F/C, Duke
With his maturity, physicality, and polish, Boozer already looks the part of a seasoned pro.
Nate Ament – F, Tennessee
Long, skilled, and fluid — Ament’s ceiling is sky high.
Mikel Brown Jr. – G, Louisville
Smooth, skilled, and can shoot the lights out — he’s the real deal.
Karim Lopez – F, New Zealand Breakers
Lopez has the size, skill, and feel that make him one of the more intriguing young prospects.
Koa Peat – F, Arizona
A physical, explosive force — Peat looks poised to make an immediate impact.
Tounde Yessoufou – G/F, Baylor
With physical tools and scoring instincts that set him apart, he’s built to produce.
Caleb Wilson – F, North Carolina
With length, athletic fluidity, and a growing skill set, Wilson’s upside is significant.
Chris Cenac Jr. – F/C, Houston
Big, mobile, and skilled — Cenac fits the mold of today’s modern big man.
11-20
Jayden Quaintance – C, Kentucky
Raw, gifted, and already special defensively — Quaintance’s upside is real.
Braylon Mullins – G, UConn
A blend of positional size, poise, scoring, and outside shooting projects Mullins as a valuable offensive weapon.
Darius Acuff Jr. – G, Arkansas
Acuff is a dynamic on-ball guard, tough to contain in pick-and-roll or transition — when he’s rolling, he’s electric.
Tahaad Pettiford – G, Auburn
A dynamic scoring guard — quick, confident, and tough to contain.
Shelton Henderson – G/F, Miami (FL)
Built like a tank — explosive, talented, and ready to turn heads.
Yaxel Lendeborg – F, Michigan
Rare versatility for his size — Lendeborg does a bit of everything.
Isaiah Evans – G/F, Duke
Smooth and versatile with range — Evans offers intriguing scoring upside.
Labaron Philon – G, Alabama
A crafty, dynamic scorer who knows how to get buckets — and with more on-ball reps coming, he’s primed to make a splash.
Brayden Burries – G, Arizona
A mature, composed guard with a well-rounded game and a knack for scoring.
Scouting Report →
Bennett Stirtz – G, Iowa
It’s been a movie-like rise for Stirtz, but his game is as real as it gets — skilled, decisive, and ready for the big stage.
21-30
Mo Sylla – C, Georgia Tech
A strong, mobile, and explosive big man who possesses high-level upside as a rim protector and finisher.
Scouting Report →
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.
Dame Sarr – G/F, Duke
Smooth, long, two-way threat with a lot of potential.
Scouting Report →
Hannes Steinbach – C, Washington
Big, skilled, and steady — nothing flashy, just productive.
Scouting Report →
Magoon Gwath – F/C, San Diego State
A long, mobile 7-footer with elite defensive instincts and a blossoming offensive package — as intriguing as they come.
Alex Condon – C, Florida
Mobile and skilled with size and touch — Condon’s upside as a modern big is clear.
Thomas Haugh – F, Florida
An athletic, high-motor forward with versatility who contributes to winning.
Joseph Tugler – C, Houston
Elite motor, length, and defensive presence — Tugler is an enforcer and defensive anchor.
Miles Byrd – G/F, San Diego State
A long, versatile, defensive-minded wing with instincts, motor, and growing two-way potential.
Sergio De Larrea – G, Valencia
A crafty and skilled guard with positional size and an excellent feel for the game.
31-40
Boogie Fland – G, Florida →
Ian Jackson – G, St. John's →
Christian Anderson Jr. – G, Texas Tech →
Karter Knox – F, Arkansas →
Flory Bidunga – F/C, Kansas →
Morez Johnson Jr. – C, Michigan →
Braden Smith – G, Purdue →
Derrion Reid – F, Oklahoma →
Josh Dix – G, Creighton →
Neoklis Avdalas – G/F, Virginia Tech →
41-58
Eric Dailey Jr. – F, UCLA →
Alex Karaban – F, UConn →
JT Toppin – F/C, Texas Tech →
Darrion Williams – F, NC State →
Milos Uzan – G, Houston →
Dailyn Swain – G/F, Texas →
Donovan Dent – G, UCLA →
Ryan Conwell – G, Louisville →
Jaland Lowe – G, Kentucky →
Ben Henshall – G/F, Perth Wildcats →
Otega Oweh – G/F, Kentucky →
Tucker DeVries – G/F, Indiana →
Richie Saunders – G/F, BYU →
Mackenzie Mgbako – F, Texas A&M →
Joshua Jefferson – F, Iowa State →
PJ Haggerty – G, Kansas State →
Mouhamed Faye – C, Paris Basketball →
Tobi Lawal – F, Virginia Tech →
Xavian Lee – G, Florida →
Tarris Reed Jr. – C, UConn →
