And now it’s their turn

NBA DRAFT

Dybantsa, Peterson and Boozer headline ’26 class

CT_IC_1057148907_1057188961_016-0629_NBA_Draft_2026_Lookahead_Basketball_33207--e3180.jpg

Christopher Columbus’ Cameron Boozer directs teammates during a high school basketball game against Sierra Canyon at the Hoophall Classic on Jan. 16, 2023, in Springfield, Mass. Gregory Payan

PREVIOUS IMAGE

Image

NEXT IMAGE

By Aaron Beard Associated Press

The NBA has had Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg as obvious No. 1 overall draft picks in recent years. AJ Dybantsa has been headed toward that status for 2026.

The BYU signee has been a favorite to sit atop draft boards next summer and ranks as the nation’s top recruit by ESPN, On3 and Rivals. Kansas signee Darryn Peterson tops the list for 247Sports to make it a more open race for No. 1.

Here’s an early look next summer’s potential lottery prospects:

1. A.J. Dybantsa, BYU: The 6-foot-9 forward chose the Cougars over Kansas, North Carolina and Alabama. Athleticism and versatility shine through his rangy scoring skillset, notably when he attacks off the dribble and finishes at the rim. The Massachusetts native spent last year with Utah Prep and is on this summer’s USA Basketball Under-19 National Team for the FIBA World Cup.

2. Darryn Peterson, Kansas: The 6-5 guard from Ohio offers perimeter size with ability to play on or off the ball. He can attack off the dribble or step outside, offering potential to overwhelm smaller guards and impact games defensively. Peterson played last season with Prolific Prep in California and was co-MVP of the McDonald’s All-American game.

3. Cameron Boozer, Duke: The 6-9 forward joined twin Cayden in winning a high school national title and fourth straight Florida state title. The son of former Duke and NBA forward Carlos Boozer showed his inside-out game (22 points, 16 rebounds, six assists) leading the U.S. past the World team in the Nike Hoop Summit. He joined Peterson as the McDonald’s game co-MVP.

4. Nate Ament, Tennessee: The 6-9 forward is a McDonald’s All-American and Gatorade player of the year for Virginia with versatile skills. He’ll improve as he adds strength to his lean frame, though he stands out with ballhandling and shooting range.

5. Caleb Wilson, North Carolina: The 6-9 forward from Atlanta and McDonald’s All-American offers two-way potential with his athleticism and length, including as a shot blocker. The McDonald’s All-American announced his UNC commitment on TNT’s “Inside The NBA” show alongside former NBA players Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith.

6. Chris Cenac Jr., Houston: ESPN and 247Sports rank Cenac as the nation’s top center, offering rangy skills and outside shooting that made him the MVP of the NBPA Top 100 camp in summer 2024. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson has said the McDonald’s All-American is “not a big man’s big man... he is a basketball player who happens to be 6-foot-10.”

7. Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (Australia): The versatile 6-8 wing from Mexico is part of the National Basketball League’s “Next Stars” program designed to develop high-end prospects, averaging 9.6 points and 4.7 assists in his 2024-25 debut season. He turns 18 in December.

8. Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky: The 6-9 forward was a top-10 recruit last year entering Arizona State, where he averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. He later transferred to join the Wildcats.

9. Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville: The 6-3 McDonald’s All-American is big signee for Pat Kelsey entering Year 2 of his tenure with the Cardinals, ranking as the No. 1 point guard prospect for Rivals. He joined Dybantsa in making the U.S. U-19 team.

10. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas: The 6-2 Acuff is the top point guard prospect for 247Sports (No. 5 overall) and ESPN (No. 7). The McDonald’s All-American operates smoothly in the pick-and-roll with the ability to attack defenders off the dribble and from 3-point range.

11. Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor: ESPN’s ninth-ranked recruit offers a sturdy frame (6-5, 210 pounds) and versatile athleticism while being known for a high-motor style. He had 24 points for the World team against the U.S. in the Nike Hoop Summit in April.

12. Dash Daniels, Melbourne United (Australia): Like Lopez, the younger brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels is will play for the NBL’s “Next Stars” program. Dash is a 6-6 point guard who has been through NBA Academy Australia.

13. Isaiah Evans, Duke: The 6-6 guard withdrew from this year’s draft and must add strength to a 175-pound frame. But there’s clear upside with his explosive scoring potential, such as hitting six first-half 3s out of nowhere against Auburn in December.

14. Labaron Philon, Alabama: The 6-4 freshman point guard was a last-minute draft withdrawal. He averaged 10.6 points and 3.8 assists for an Elite Eight team that just lost Associated Press first-team All-American Mark Sears from the backcourt.