Way Too Early Look At The 2026 Potential Top 10 Draft Picks

The 2025–26 NBA season has just tipped off, which means that scouts are busy planning their schedules to attend various college games, looking to get insight on which players they may be adding to their roster next June. 

1. Darryn Peterson – Kansas Jayhawks

An explosive 6’5” freshman, Peterson is widely expected to be one of the top contenders for the number one pick. A combination of size, length, explosiveness, and shot-creating ability, Peterson will be the centerpiece of the Jayhawks' offense for just one season.

2. AJ Dybantsa – BYU Cougars

Ever since he stepped on the court as a freshman, Dybantsa has been a household name and on the list of many college recruiters. Now on the list of NBA scouts, the 6’10” forward draws comparisons to Tracy McGrady and Jaylen Brown. Not a bad pair of players to be compared to. Potentially a player a team can build their franchise around, Dybantsa’s scoring ability and defensive versatility are something all NBA teams seek.  

3. Cameron Boozer – Duke Blue Devils

Following in his father’s footsteps, the older of the Boozer twins is a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year and twice named Mr. Basketball USA. A high-impact player who can play both the inside power game and outside finesse game, Boozer’s winning resume makes him as much sought after as an NBA prospect as he was a college recruit. 

4. Nate Ament – Tennessee Volunteers

If Ament can put on some size and muscle during his predicted one year on campus, it will serve him well entering the 2026 NBA Draft. Standing 6’10”, 190 lbs, Ament gets some comparisons to Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher. A talented forward with guard-like capabilities, Ament’s fluid ball handling, smooth jump shot, and ability to create his own shot give him one of the highest offensive ceilings in the class.

5. Mikel Brown – Louisville Cardinals

A 6’3” point guard with elite handle, lightning quickness, ability to create off the dribble, read defenses, and hit deep jumpers—who wouldn’t want a point guard like that? Brown’s combination of skill and athleticism while playing for a top-15 program should help his argument for a surprise top-five pick.

6. Chris Cenac Jr. – Houston Cougars

Cenac Jr.’s size, mobility, and agility remind some of Kel’el Ware and Jaren Jackson Jr. as a player who can impact the game on the defensive end but also contribute offensively. Possessing a face-up game with the ability to take his man off the dribble, Cenac Jr. has shown improvements in his offensive game, but his bread and butter will likely come on the defensive end as a shot blocker and rim protector with a 7’3” wingspan.

7. Tounde Yessoufou – Baylor Bears

One of the most explosive athletes in the draft, Yessoufou could very well hear his name called within the top five selections. Measuring in at 6’6”, 210 lbs, Yessoufou has a pro-ready body that excels in transition and above the rim. While his shot and handle continue to develop, he is a capable scorer. Able to guard multiple positions, Yessoufou’s energy is effective on both ends of the court.

8. Caleb Wilson – North Carolina Tar Heels

A prototypical NBA forward at 6’9” with a long wingspan, Wilson has a soft mid-range touch with an improving long-range game. Able to cover a lot of ground with long, effortless strides, Wilson will provide a team with an athletic, mobile forward who can score in transition. Like many of his potential draft mates, Wilson can guard multiple positions—a skill that most NBA teams look for.

9. Jayden Quaintance – Kentucky Wildcats

After tearing his ACL last season, Quaintance may be a question mark for the 2026 Draft, as he still sits on the sidelines rehabbing. A skilled and physical big man, the 6’10”, 255-lb Quaintance averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks during his first NCAA season with the Arizona State Sun Devils.

10. Koa Peat – Arizona Wildcats

Peat’s 6’8”, 235-lb frame provides the size and strength to finish through contact, pound the boards, and be a reliable inside scoring threat. A powerful combo forward who does a little bit of everything, Peat needs to improve his three-point and free-throw shooting percentages to be a well-rounded offensive threat.