March 26, 2026, 2:32 p.m. ET
After two rounds of the Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, the Sweet 16 has many future first-round NBA draft picks nonetheless dancing throughout March Madness.
As all the time, prospects will use the momentum from March to capitalize on their draft inventory to start their skilled careers. Others, nonetheless, would possibly profit from elevated NIL packages within the NCAA and are available again to highschool or enter the switch portal.
Some highly-ranked gamers not included who may probably return to school embody Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor), Alijah Arenas (USC), Meleek Thomas (Arkansas), Ebuka Okorie (Stanford) and Flory Bidunga (Kansas). But if these gamers resolve to declare and keep within the draft, they might probably warrant first-round consideration as effectively.
Our draft order is predicated on ESPN’s projected records and elements in trades, together with swaps and protections.
- TEAM: Duke
- POSITION: Forward
- BORN: Florida
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 18
Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was among the finest gamers in faculty basketball throughout his first NCAA season and now makes his USA TODAY mock draft pole place debut. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival groups imagine Boozer could be the “preferred selection” for the Pacers at No. 1 total due to his “potential fit” alongside Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. The ACC Player of the Year isn’t a human spotlight reel however he gives consistency and a various, impactful talent set. More importantly, he can carry a tradition of successful after a number of championships in highschool and an elite Duke crew that has made it to the Sweet 16.
- TEAM: BYU
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Massachusetts
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Nets have the worst offense in the NBA and will immediately inject life into their offense by choosing AJ Dybantsa, who would doubtless go No. 1 total relying on which crew will get the choose. He emphasised that time throughout his one recreation for BYU in March Madness, placing up 35 factors and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted factors scored (680) by a large margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The rising star additionally had 40 factors towards Kansas State within the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged 28.8 factors per recreation over his remaining 17 appearances.
- TEAM: Kansas
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Ohio
- HEIGHT: 6-5
- DRAFT AGE: 19
While he’s no longer perceived because the near-certain No. 1 total choose that he as soon as was because of relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators really feel that Darryn Peterson is probably the most gifted participant on this class. The Wizards would put the All-Big 12 guard in a powerful place to start his profession alongside Trae Young and Anthony Davis. It is extremely uncommon to discover a prospect who is ready to rating as effectively as Peterson whereas holding a utilization charge as excessive as his has been this season.
- TEAM: North Carolina
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Georgia
- HEIGHT: 6-10
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Kings want the perfect participant accessible and that’s North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson, who sadly missed the NCAA Tournament with a damaged thumb. Wilson, who additionally suffered a hand fracture earlier within the season, did more than enough to earn this placement, although. According to Bart Torvik, before the harm the All-ACC large man led the nation with 67 dunks recorded. He was additionally the one participant under 20 years old to achieve thresholds of two.5 p.c for each block and steal proportion whereas additionally notching a defensive rebound proportion above 20.0 p.c.
- TEAM: Houston
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Texas
- HEIGHT: 6-4
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Jazz at the moment have the worst defensive rating in the Western Conference however may probably enhance that by choosing Houston freshman Kingston Flemings. The All-Big 12 guard has a number of video games when he has recorded a minimum of three steals, notching eight towards Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 factors towards No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. He has helped lead Houston to the Sweet 16 and with highs as excessive as his so far, it is not going to take lengthy for him to listen to his title referred to as on draft evening.
- TEAM: Arkansas
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Michigan
- HEIGHT: 6-3
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Mavericks want gamers who may also help Dallas keep aggressive on offense, and Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. has proven – en path to the Sweet 16 – he can do precisely that. The SEC Player of the Year leads the nation for factors created (1,360) both by himself or via an help, per CBB Analytics. He leads freshman for subject objectives made in transition (71) and is among the many freshmen leaders in each alley-oop assists (17) this season. Despite his defensive deficiencies, there’s a purpose rival coach Sean Miller thinks this “generational” guard ought to have his title within the combine at No. 1 total.
- TEAM: Michigan
- POSITION: Forward
- BORN: New Jersey
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 23
The Grizzlies may add to their rebuilding core after buying and selling away Jaren Jackson Jr. by choosing Yaxel Lendeborg, who has proven on his technique to the Sweet 16 that he’s maybe probably the most NBA-ready participant on this draft class. The Big Ten Player of the Year gives a little bit of all the pieces on either side of the ball and has silenced skeptics who have been uncertain how his recreation would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. The Grizzlies have drafted gamers with comparable trajectories like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.
- TEAM: Illinois
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Kansas
- HEIGHT: 6-6
- DRAFT AGE: 19
After trading away Trae Young, the Hawks may use a guard like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler utilizing a first-round choose they obtained from the Pelicans. The 19-year-old guard has performed a vital position for his crew to earn a spot within the Sweet 16. He tasks as among the finest 3-point shooters on this class, taking pictures 40.8 p.c from past the arc as a freshman whereas connecting on as many as 9 3-pointers in a recreation. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations however is a cerebral basketball participant who can also be averaging 4.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per recreation this season.
- TEAM: Arizona
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: California
- HEIGHT: 6-4
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Arizona freshman Brayden Burries had two breakout video games in January, which helped solidify his draft inventory. But the All-Big 12 guard has continued to show his tantalizing expertise, scoring 31 factors with seven rebounds and 5 steals towards Colorado on March 7 and 20 factors with 12 rebounds and 5 assists throughout a victory towards No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28. Burries has additionally seemed like a lottery expertise throughout March Madness, incomes a spot within the Sweet 16. He has confirmed productiveness and he is ready to defend, relocate, transfer the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble.
- TEAM: Louisville
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Florida
- HEIGHT: 6-5
- DRAFT AGE: 20
The Chicago Bulls want to easily draft the perfect participant accessible with no matter choose they’ve and can doubtless preserve Louisville flooring basic Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their large board. The All-ACC guard has deep taking pictures vary and was among the many freshmen leaders in 3-pointers constituted of past 25 toes (27) this 12 months, per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 factors per recreation over his final 5 appearances, together with 45 factors towards NC State on Feb. 9, whereas hitting 10 pictures from past the arc, before an harm on Feb. 28 compelled him to overlook March Madness.
- TEAM: Alabama
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Alabama
- HEIGHT: 6-4
- DRAFT AGE: 20
The Warriors may nonetheless use extra dependable gamers within the backcourt and will discover a pretty compelling participant in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. Even although the All-SEC guard is not playing at 100 percent because of harm points, he has performed effectively in March Madness, recording 29 factors in his first recreation and 12 assists in his second. The guard is now averaging 21.6 factors per recreation and has improved his 3-point taking pictures from 31.5 p.c as a freshman to 39.7 p.c as a sophomore, additionally managing 5.0 assists per recreation within the course of.
- TEAM: Arizona
- POSITION: Forward
- BORN: Arizona
- HEIGHT: 6-8
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Portland Trail Blazers have drafted a number of prospects identified for their athleticism, which suggests a participant like Arizona ahead Koa Peat will most likely have some enchantment to the group. Peat is a perfect match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking ahead. The All-Big 12 ahead simply wants a jumper to carve out common minutes as a high-impact professional. Arizona performs at a considerably quicker tempo (4.1 additional possessions) when Peat is on the ground relative to when he’s not, per CBB Analytics, which might match very effectively with Portland’s fast-paced offense.
- TEAM: Washington
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Germany
- HEIGHT: 6-11
- DRAFT AGE: 20
After successful the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are projected so as to add much more lottery-caliber expertise within the 2026 NBA Draft. They may use it to probably exchange Isaiah Hartenstein by drafting a youthful German large man: Hannes Steinbach. While his crew missed the match, the All-Big Ten publish is an instinctive rebounder with nice fingers, together with an absurd 24 rebounds towards USC on March 4. Additionally, the middle is likely one of the extra prolific pick-and-roll finishers in faculty basketball. He shined in the course of the FIBA U19 World Cup, and scouts love that he’s a wise basketball participant who could make nice reads.
- TEAM: Tennessee
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Virginia
- HEIGHT: 6-10
- DRAFT AGE: 19
After a comparatively sluggish and inefficient begin to the season, Tennessee freshman Nate Ament began to appreciate a few of his lofty expectations. The freshman averaged 21.6 factors per recreation, whereas taking pictures 38.9 p.c on 3-pointers, throughout a 13-game stretch before an harm towards Alabama on Feb. 28. The All-SEC ahead then had 27 factors (4-of-6 on 3-pointers) with eight rebounds, 4 assists, three blocks and a steal towards Auburn on March 12. While he has been quiet throughout March Madness, it would solely take one crew to fall in love with Ament, and that crew might be choosing within the lottery.
- TEAM: Iowa State
- POSITION: Forward
- BORN: Nevada
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 22
A couple of years in the past, research indicated that the Grizzlies are inclined to worth just a few statistical similarities of their draftees: Efficient shot choice, added worth past scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second 12 months in a row, Iowa State do-it-all Joshua Jefferson is an impactful dribble-pass-shoot ahead who meets many of the qualifications that led Memphis to seek out gamers who spent a few years on their roster. The All-Big 12 ahead received injured in the course of the first spherical of the match, however Iowa State nonetheless earned a spot within the Sweet 16.
- TEAM: Baylor
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Minnesota
- HEIGHT: 6-5
- DRAFT AGE: 21
One of the gamers who improved his draft inventory probably the most this season was Baylor junior Cameron Carr. The All-Big 12 wing brings athleticism and taking pictures and, per Bart Torvik, he was the one participant to make a minimum of 40 subject objectives that have been dunks and greater than 60 subject objectives that have been 3-pointers this season. Baylor outscored opponents by an extra 28.5 factors per 100 possessions when he was on the ground relative to when he was not, via CBB Analytics, which ranked because the fourth-most of any high-major participant within the NCAA.
- TEAM: International (Australia)
- POSITION: Forward
- BORN: Mexico
- HEIGHT: 6-8
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Thunder have drafted a number of gamers from Australia’s NBL, together with Josh Giddey. They may dip into this effectively once more by choosing Karim López with their choose from the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Mexican-born ahead nonetheless wants some growth, he’s bodily gifted and extensively seen as the highest prospect from this class at the moment enjoying abroad. He exploded for 32 factors (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal towards Melbourne on Jan. 30. Even if he’s a draft-and-stash participant, that’s perfect for a crew with a rotation as crowded because the Thunder.
- TEAM: Kentucky
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Ohio
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 18
Jayden Quaintance recorded only one begin throughout his sophomore marketing campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. The large man remains to be one of many youngest gamers on this class, however he has proven flashes throughout his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When wholesome, he’s arguably probably the most gifted defender on this draft class and will assist a crew that desperately wants frontcourt assist, just like the Hornets. But well being might trigger some concern for evaluators.
- TEAM: Iowa
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Missouri
- HEIGHT: 6-4
- DRAFT AGE: 22
The Raptors may use one other guard and will have Bennett Stirtz on their precedence checklist. After transferring from Division II to a mid-major after which to a high-major program, he’s on the high of the category in creating his personal shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick-and-roll. The All-Big Ten guard can even end performs from dribble handoffs. The Raptors play at a sluggish tempo, which might translate effectively for Stirtz, who’s doing the identical at Iowa. While he has not seemed stellar throughout March Madness, he has nonetheless earned a spot within the Sweet 16.
- TEAM: Florida
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Pennsylvania
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 22
After successful a nationwide championship with Florida final season, Thomas Haugh was immediately considered some of the fascinating gamers who elected to return to school. The All-SEC ahead had one of many high motors within the NCAA this season before an early elimination from March Madness. While he didn’t rating effectively in a set offense this 12 months, he doesn’t want the ball in his fingers fairly often to make a distinction on the ground for his crew. He can function a glue man for a contending crew trying to win an NBA title just like the Spurs.
- TEAM: Michigan
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Spain
- HEIGHT: 7-3
- DRAFT AGE: 21
Michigan heart Aday Mara is likely one of the prospects who has helped himself probably the most throughout March Madness up to now. The 7-foot-3 large man, who transferred from UCLA, is a improbable rim protector. Opponents solely try 19.9 p.c of their subject objectives on the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is on the courtroom, per CBB Analytics, which ranks close to lowest amongst all NCAA gamers. He can even move effectively, discovering some superior outlet seems in transition and on the rim.
- TEAM: Duke
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Virginia
- HEIGHT: 6-11
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Many groups may use a giant man like Patrick Ngongba II, who’s an above-average passer for his place. His help charge is the very best amongst underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he’s on the high of his recreation when passing to a driving perimeter participant. Ngongba, who has helped Duke earn a spot within the Sweet 16, is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out area as one of many extra prolific cutters in faculty basketball. He is on an encouraging growth observe, displaying professional year-over-year enchancment from his freshman to sophomore marketing campaign.
- TEAM: Texas Tech
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Georgia
- HEIGHT: 6-3
- DRAFT AGE: 20
While they’re among the finest groups within the league this season, the Pistons are nonetheless struggling from the perimeter and will use extra gifted 3-point shooters on their roster. A easy repair could be drafting Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson, who had the third-most unassisted 3-pointers (61) within the NCAA, per CBB Analytics. After transferring to level guard, the All-Big 12 Most Improved Player recorded greater than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore now in comparison with when he was a freshman.
- TEAM: Texas
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Ohio
- HEIGHT: 6-8
- DRAFT AGE: 21
After transferring from Xavier to Texas in the course of the offseason after which main his crew to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain has change into one of many extra intriguing breakout gamers in faculty basketball. The All-SEC ahead is flexible and contributes just a little little bit of all the pieces for the Longhorns on either side of the ball, scoring effectively each within the paint and on fastbreaks. Another aspect that’s notably compelling is that Swain is environment friendly one-on-one in isolation towards his defenders.
- TEAM: Michigan
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Illinois
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Morez Johnson Jr. is likely one of the greatest, most underrated two-way gamers within the NCAA. He is a vital a part of the Michigan id this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson’s taking pictures kind on the free throw line seems good, and he scores effectively close to the rim, particularly when chopping to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten large man is a reliable defensive playmaker, too, and will discover minutes on the subsequent stage.
- TEAM: Santa Clara
- POSITION: Forward
- BORN: Louisiana
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 20
One of probably the most under-the-radar prospects in all of school basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who was almost a March Madness hero. It was arduous to not discover the WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year after he scored 30 factors with 13 rebounds, 4 assists and two steals Feb. 7 towards Washington State. The solely gamers below 21 years outdated who at the moment held a better field plus-minus, via Bart Torvik, have been Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson.
- TEAM: Houston
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Louisiana
- HEIGHT: 6-11
- DRAFT AGE: 19
It was an up-and-down season for former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American Chris Cenar Jr. at Houston. While he nonetheless stays a candidate to return to school and enhance his draft inventory for the 2027 NBA Draft, Cenac is getting scorching on the good time. During his first recreation within the Big Dance, the large man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds, whereas additionally pulling down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. Then within the Round of 32, he confirmed off extra scoring with some spectacular cuts to the basket, dropping 17 factors towards Texas A&M.
- TEAM: Vanderbilt
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Tennessee
- HEIGHT: 6-0
- DRAFT AGE: 20
It is uncommon to discover a 6-foot sophomore projected within the first spherical of a mock draft, but when there have been ever a participant who has earned that type of reward ought to he resolve to show professional after this season, it is Tyler Tanner. Despite his dimension, the All-SEC guard has discovered significant methods to contribute on either side of the ground. He can rating effectively, dunk, block pictures, steal the ball, and he’s greater than serviceable as a flooring basic able to incomes rotation minutes for a crew just like the Timberwolves.
- TEAM: Connecticut
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Indiana
- HEIGHT: 6-6
- DRAFT AGE: 19
Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald’s All-American, missed the beginning of the season because of an ankle harm. But he has returned to motion for the Huskies and has proven what makes him such an interesting participant. He is a helpful off-ball risk, which supplies him an instantly sensible position on the subsequent stage. The Big East All-Freshman wing shot 40.7 p.c on 3-pointers throughout his first 18 video games within the beginning lineup, however it could be robust for scouts to neglect his 0-for-8 efficiency from past the arc throughout his first recreation in March Madness.
- TEAM: Alabama
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Wisconsin
- HEIGHT: 6-7
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Alabama’s Amari Allen is a 6-foot-7 freshman who averaged 12.9 factors, 6.9 rebounds and a pair of.9 assists with 1.7 “stocks” (mixed steals and blocks), whereas taking pictures 39.5 p.c on 3-pointers on 4.8 pictures per recreation for the Crimson Tide throughout SEC convention play. The SEC All-Freshman wing is an effective connective piece who performs arduous, cares about successful and is aware of find out how to make the fitting play. He is a participant value watching in the course of the Sweet 16.
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