Right here is the primary combination mock draft for 2026, compiled from solely eight of the standard 10 mock drafts accessible to create a composite rating. At this early stage, opinions are extremely conflicting, making it difficult to succeed in a consensus. Consequently, there are important variations in participant evaluations as soon as we transfer past the Prime 20 prospects.
Personally, a rule of thumb is to keep away from “over-scouting” youngsters in highschool gyms and attempt to hold tabs on how they carry out as they enter school (or abroad as professionals). Having skilled a progress spurt myself at 23, going from 5-11 to 6-1. I acknowledge how a lot these younger athletes can change bodily (and mentally) in a brief period of time (or be a late bloomer). An ideal instance is Kevon Looney, should you have a look at his highschool mixtape, you may need assumed he would develop into the subsequent nice scoring ahead. As a substitute, he reworked into a robust, excessive really feel, massive man after overcoming numerous accidents.
At the moment, as we consider prospects, it’s necessary to notice that some freshmen and transfers haven’t even arrived on campus but. This 12 months, we’re additionally seeing an inflow of European expertise as a result of NIL alternatives. With schools implementing wage caps, many worldwide gamers select school basketball over staying in European leagues the place they’d compete for minutes in opposition to seasoned veterans preventing to help their households.
A proof for HoopsHype’s Draft Predictor from colleague Alberto de Roa, who contributed analysis to this story, could be discovered right here.
NOTE: These rankings replicate the composite rating to get a really feel for the general consensus, not our personal opinion.
Darryn Peterson – adidas Eurocamp
Finest rank: 1 / Worst rank: 2
6-5 | 195 lbs | 6-10 WS | Freshman
Kansas picked up a gem on this prototypical sized jumbo guard that may play one via three and has the mature vibe of a 30-year-old in an adolescent physique. Peterson can rating from wherever on the ground and has the potential to be a franchise participant. He’s a pure scorer who can hit powerful pull-up photographs and play as a lead guard or a cutter off the ball. He can in all probability defend each place besides facilities as soon as he absolutely bulks up in his 20s. He’s received the physique to deal with greater wings and athleticism to hold with faster guards. Some scouts suppose he would possibly simply be higher than the 2025 NBA Draft’s No. 1 general choose Cooper Flagg.
Jonae McCloud-USA Basketball
Finest rank: 1 / Worst rank: 3
6-9 | 210 lbs | 7-0 WS | Freshman
Dybantsa has loopy defensive expertise, hops such as you wouldn’t consider, and might play each the three and 4 positions. Dybantsa is a block-hunter and likes to create turnovers, plus he hurries up the court docket for some spotlight finishes. He has respectable handles to maintain defenders on their toes, however nonetheless must work on his half-court sport a bit. Dybantsa has all of the instruments, prototypical dimension and athleticism to be an All-NBA caliber two-way franchise cornerstone.
Jonae McCloud-USA Basketball
Finest rank: 1 / Worst rank: 3
6-9 | 245 lbs | 7-1 WS | Freshman
The Son of Carlos Boozer,and twin brother of Cayden Boozer, Cam Boozer is an influence ahead for Duke who performs like a beast. He’s received elite rebounding expertise, smooth palms, and nice footwork, and throws outlet passes that form of remind you of Kevin Love. Boozer can leap excessive for putbacks and has a pleasant contact as much as 17 ft, which opens up his pick-and-pop sport. He’s polished, productive, and unselfish, and he’s trying like somebody who could make an instantaneous impression within the frontcourt as a pure 4 that may be a change massive.
Nate Ament – Below Armour Elite 24
Finest rank: 4 / Worst rank: 7
6-10 | 185 lbs | 7-0 WS | Freshman
This 6-10, 185-pound freshman from Tennessee is a little bit of a wild card. He’s received the ability set of a ahead who can shoot, and he reminds you of Kevin Durant-Brandon Ingram together with his pull-up means. The catch? He tends to fade when the sport will get bodily, and he can develop into so passive that he disappears within the background. If he bulks up and stays constant, his taking pictures and ball-handling might push him to the highest; if not, he would possibly simply be a streaky scorer. He has the bottom flooring out of the Prime 4 however somebody might argue he has the second highest ceiling (potential smart behind Peterson) on this class if all of it hits.
Pamela Smith-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 5 / Worst rank: 14
6-3 | 173 lbs | 6-6 WS | Freshman
Brown is a dynamic participant who can create house to attain and is taken into account the highest pure level guard within the draft, even together with his score-first mentality. He is aware of easy methods to manipulate defenses in pick-and-roll conditions however must sharpen his decision-making and add some muscle for the NBA. Brown is extra of a scoring guard like Coby White than a flooring basic. If he polishes his sport, he could possibly be a robust starter or an incredible prompt the bench.
College of Kentucky
Finest rank: 4 / Worst rank: 13
6-10 | 250 lbs | 7-5 WS | Sophomore
The Kentucky sophomore performs like he’s a middle who’s nonetheless engaged on turning into a ahead. He’s an explosive goal for lobs, has an enormous attain, and is likely to be essentially the most versatile massive on this class. He’s nice at blocking photographs and might cling with guards on the perimeter, however his offense nonetheless wants some work past simple dunks and put-backs. With even slight enhancements, he might actually shine as a two-way starter. The most important query for him to reply this 12 months is that if he’s a 4 or an undersized 5.
Phil Walter/Getty Pictures
Finest rank: 5 / Worst rank: 18
6-8 | 210 lbs | 6-11 WS | 2007
Heralded as the long run face of Mexican basketball (enjoying for the NZ Breakers as a NBL Subsequent Stars), Lopez has a little bit of all the things, a good deal with, okay jumper, and good dimension, however he doesn’t have one elite ability that stands out, main some to label him as a “Georges Niang with further size.” If he can develop a stronger dribble or develop into a greater catch-and-shoot participant, he might discover actual worth within the league; if not, he would possibly find yourself being a stable bench function participant.
Pamela Smith-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 5 / Worst rank: 16
6-10 | 233 lbs | 7-4 WS | Freshman
Initiatives as an anchor for Houston on account of his gorgeous 7-4 wingspan and a few spectacular footwork for an enormous man. He exhibits off his grab-and-go expertise and has smooth contact across the basket. Cenac can change simply between totally different defensive schemes, however he nonetheless has some uncooked aspects to his sport, particularly together with his footwork and ball dealing with. With extra playtime, he might flip right into a rim-runner and shot-blocking specialist.
Pamela Smith-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 6 / Worst rank: NR
6-9 | 205 lbs | 7-0 WS | Freshman
The North Carolina freshman has quite a bit going for him together with his fluid motion, flashes of spectacular expertise, and instincts on protection. Wilson’s motor isn’t revving on a regular basis however when he’s unleashed, he’s a freak of nature. Nevertheless, he hasn’t managed to place all of it collectively persistently but, and his taking pictures could be hit and miss. Nonetheless, there’s clear potential right here for him to develop into a contemporary two-way ahead if he can amp up his motor and expertise.
Nike
Finest rank: 4 / Worst rank: NR
6-5 | 215 lbs | 6-9 WS | Freshman
Appears like a grown man, at 6-5 with a chiseled-frame, as a freshman from Baylor, Yessoufou is a robust athlete who’s seemed prepared for school since he arrived. He’s going to be a participant to look at, able to guarding a number of positions and attacking the rim aggressively. Yessoufou will remind individuals of Anthony Edwards at first look, nonetheless we don’t suppose he’s in the identical stratosphere as Ant. If he can develop a dependable catch-and-shoot sport, he would possibly develop into a implausible 3-and-D starter or an explosive power man off the bench.
Hans Lucas/AFP through Getty Pictures)
Finest rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR
6-6 | 190 lbs | 6-10 WS | 2007
At 6-6, this guard from Melbourne United can rating from all over the place with ease, and has the identical killer defensive instincts his older brother, Dyson Daniels, is thought for. His clean launch makes him lethal in opposition to closeouts, and he has a knack for creating performs. Whereas he’s aggressive on protection and has a stable construct, he’s received common restoration pace. Daniels could possibly be a guard, nonetheless, he appears to be extra of a swingman and can have the ability to guard one via 4 when he bulks up. He might match effectively as a late-lottery participant who can step in and shoot, with the potential to develop into a flexible two-way starter.
Patrick Breen / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 4 / Worst rank: 18
6-8 | 235 lbs | 6-11 WS | Freshman
Peat is a frontcourt participant, his brother is NFL lineman Andrus Peat, who could possibly be a gritty, undersized change massive much like Isaiah Stewart. With some fast footwork, he is aware of easy methods to benefit from mismatches within the submit, and his means to stretch the ground retains defenses guessing. If he can work on his lateral quickness and timing on rim safety, he might actually shine as a small-ball 5.
Robert Deutsch-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 11 / Worst rank: NR
6-7 | 170 lbs | 6-10 WS | Sophomore
Evans withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft, the place he was climbing up boards as a possible first spherical choose, to return for his sophomore 12 months at Duke. He’s a wiry quantity three-point shooter with a fast launch that makes opposing defenses sweat, particularly together with his means to shoot from approach past the NBA three-point line. If he can placed on some muscle, add some ballhandling and enhance his shot creation, Evans might develop right into a go-to scorer and a stable two-way participant within the rotation.
Julia Hansen/Iowa Metropolis Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 9 / Worst rank: 35
6-4 | 180 lbs | 6-7 WS | Senior
This senior combo guard heading to Iowa after a quick stint at Drake is thought for his nice taking pictures off the transfer and artful handles. Following teaching genius Ben McCollum to Iowa, anticipate Stirtz to proceed being the obedient solider he’s and ball out below McCollum’s scheme. If he can show he could be environment friendly in opposition to powerful Huge Ten competitors, he’ll solidify his worth as a go-to shooter who may also contribute as a secondary playmaker.
College of Michigan
Finest rank: 11 / Worst rank: 28
6-9 | 235 lbs | 7-4 WS | Senior
Lendeborg, who withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft after being a possible first-round choose, can do a little bit of all the things. He helps provoke quick breaks, makes performs on the transfer, and scores from everywhere in the court docket whereas snagging rebounds and switching on protection. If he can tighten up his jumper and make cleaner choices, he would possibly match the mould of a flexible two-way frontcourt participant like Guerschon Yabusele on the subsequent stage.
Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball through Getty Pictures
Finest rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR
6-7 | 195 lbs | 6-11 WS | 2006
The extremely anticipated French wing arrives from Barcelona with an intriguing mix of defensive versatility and the power to shoot from past the arc. At Duke, he’s anticipated to showcase his dynamic slashing capabilities in transition and within the half-court. Nevertheless, scouts are primarily eager to look at enhancements in his off-ball taking pictures and decision-making when driving to the basket. Ought to his court docket consciousness evolve to match his bodily instruments, Sarr has the potential to emerge as a Prime 10 two-way wing within the league akin to Bilal Coulibaly.
Jordan Prather-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 14 / Worst rank: NR
6-1 | 172 lbs | 6-5 WS | Sophomore
Auburn’s lead guard is a dynamic scorer with a knack for fast bursts of pace, adept at hitting pull-up three-pointers and fearlessly attacking the rim. Pettiford had a good showcase on the 2025 NBA Draft Mix and he’ll use the suggestions from scouts this season to spice up his draft inventory. His shorter stature could restrict his margin for error in sure conditions, making it important for him to enhance his playmaking talents and on-ball protection to remodel late-first spherical buzz into stable draft actuality.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 10 / Worst rank: NR
6-3 | 175 lbs | 6-6 WS | Sophomore
With a sophisticated understanding of the sport, Philon navigates the court docket brilliantly, utilizing modifications in tempo and intelligent off-ball actions to govern opposing defenses. Philon has this herky-jerky fashion of play that can swimsuit the NBA if he can enhance his shot. Including 10 kilos of muscle and growing a extra constant catch-and-shoot sport might elevate his excessive basketball IQ into tangible first-round worth.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Pictures
Finest rank: 16 / Worst rank: NR
6-6 | 215 lbs | 6-10 WS | Sophomore
The youthful brother of NBA participant Kevin Knox has proven important progress, ending final season with a stable season taking pictures from deep. Combining straight-line explosiveness with an improved taking pictures stroke, if Knox can keep his jumper whereas tightening his ball-handling expertise, he might rework right into a invaluable plug-and-play scoring wing.
College of Florida
Finest rank: 8 / Worst rank: NR
6-2 | 172 lbs | 6-6 WS | Sophomore
A maestro of the pick-and-roll, Fland has the power to shift speeds and drain long-range photographs with ease. Nevertheless, he should discover a steadiness between his scoring intuition and playmaking obligations. Fland has one of many best-looking photographs in school basketball, and he must be extra constant from deep as he’ll be an undersized guard prospect for the fashionable NBA. Florida’s fast-paced fashion of play will present him with the chance to showcase that he’s not only a scorer, but additionally a succesful facilitator.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 7 / Worst rank: NR
6-5 | 185 lbs | 6-7 WS | Freshman
One of the vital deadly motion shooters on this class, boasting a staggering shot from three in the course of the AAU season, Mullins joins Dan Hurley’s screen-heavy offense. His tenacious protection on the point-of-attack will hold him on the ground, and his means to make fast choices and create off-ball motion hints at substantial one-and-done potential. If Mullins can present the power to shoot off-ball when working off screens, showcase his motion taking pictures and be constant, he’ll be a possible lottery choose.
Andy Abeyta/The Desert Solar / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 5 / Worst rank: NR
6-8 | 215 lbs | 6-9 WS | Freshman
Khamenia from Duke is one other thrilling expertise. Standing 6-8 and weighing 215 kilos, he performs like some extent guard whereas additionally being a ahead. He processes the sport tremendous quick, could make fancy passes with both hand, and has dependable taking pictures vary. Khamenia must solidify his place as a combo ahead and keep away from being labeled as a “tweener” on account of his distinctive skillset. If he can enhance his burst and add some power, he’ll actually elevate his sport and be a wise playmaker in any lineup.
Scott Wachter-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 15 / Worst rank: NR
6-9 | 210 lbs | 6-11 WS | Junior
The Gators’ hidden gem, Haugh combines the agility to change on protection, explosive leaping means, and an rising taking pictures contact from past the arc, hitting 34 % of his makes an attempt. Haugh suits the modern-say 4 place as a utility participant that may moonlight as a stretch 5. The Gators noticed a major leap in internet ranking throughout his minutes; a rise in his function might catapult him into first-round consideration.
David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 5 / Worst rank: NR
6-2 | 180 lbs | 6-6 WS | Freshman
An explosive lead guard, Acuff possesses a robust construct paired with downhill pace and spectacular taking pictures vary. Acuff Jr. has a thicker construct, decrease middle of gravity and is usually a dynamic facilitator within the pick-and-roll. His success will hinge on his consistency as a decision-maker and his dedication to defensive obligations, which is able to decide if his esteemed highschool pedigree interprets to rapid SEC success.
Pamela Smith-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR
6-7 | 197 lbs | 7-0 WS | Freshman
At the moment recovering from a severe automotive crash, the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas shows a formidable ability set with the footwork and confidence of an expert scorer. Arenas is an enormous combo guard who can play the wing, with the power to attain on all three ranges whereas guarding one via threes. If he can regain his quickness and shot-creating means, the 18-year-old nonetheless holds the potential to be a excessive lottery choice.
Robert Deutsch-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 19 / Worst rank: NR
7-0 | 222 lbs | 7-0 WS | Junior
A cell seven-footer with smooth palms and distinctive grab-and-go capabilities, Condon possesses a budding proficiency in pick-and-pop conditions. He performs with the stereotypical Aussie grit, keen to play greater than he’s, does the soiled work and all the time makes himself accessible. To raise his standing from an intriguing prospect to a stable funding, he should develop into extra assertive in securing rebounds and persistently defending the rim.
Eakin Howard-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 23 / Worst rank: NR
6-9 | 210 lbs | 7-1 WS | Junior
Identified for his relentless motor, Toppin excels at rebounding, transitioning easily, switching onto wing gamers, and displaying flashes of face-up scoring. Toppin is arguably one of the best rebounding non-big within the nation and top-of-the-line offensive rebounders within the nation. By honing his nook three-point taking pictures proficiency and enhancing his short-roll passing expertise, he can scale his energizing fashion into NBA rotations.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 17 / Worst rank: NR
6-6 | 182 lbs | 6-10 WS | Junior
A defensive playmaker with spectacular stats, together with 2.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per sport, Byrd possesses a eager passing imaginative and prescient and a stable free throw proportion that bodes effectively as foreshadowing his taking pictures potential. Byrd has all of the makings of a Swiss military knife kind of wing that competes on each ens. After withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft as a fringe first-round prospect, Byrd will hit the burden room and the fitness center to spice up his draft inventory. Nevertheless, his profession taking pictures from three stays the lone barrier between him and true 3-and-D standing.
College of St. John’s
Finest rank: 15 / Worst rank: NR
6-5 | 190 lbs | 6-8 WS | Sophomore
An explosive athlete, Jackson showcases the power to attain from all three ranges however nonetheless requires enchancment in his decision-making and defensive self-discipline. Jackson confirmed he can rating in a myriad of how however the inconsistency and tunnel imaginative and prescient as a passer hurts him. He might additionally develop into a extra an engaged defender as his effort wanes at occasions. A breakout season below Rick Pitino’s steering might reignite his trajectory towards a Prime 15 draft choice.
William Purnell-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 21 / Worst rank: NR
6-7 | 230 lbs | 7-6 WS | Junior
Extensively considered one in every of school basketball’s finest defenders, Tugler excels at erasing errors with outstanding floor protection and spectacular vertical leaping means on account of his wingspan being virtually a foot longer than his peak. He can be a day one plus-help defender and weakside rim protector within the NBA. Offensively, his sport is restricted to cuts and rolls, however even growing a dependable nook three-point shot would improve his readiness for the NBA.
Pamela Smith-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 11 / Worst rank: NR
6-4 | 190 lbs | 6-5 WS | Freshman
College of Kentucky
Finest rank: 17 / Worst rank: NR
6-8 | 190 lbs | 6-10 WS | Freshman
Sally Maxson / for BCT / USA TODAY NETWORK
Finest rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR
6-4 | 185 lbs | 6-6 WS | Freshman
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 11 / Worst rank: NR
6-5 | 200 lbs | 6-9 WS | Freshman
Hans Lucas/AFP through Getty Pictures)
Finest rank: 17 / Worst rank: NR
6-6 | 175 lbs | 6-7 WS | 2005
College of Michigan
Finest rank: 22 / Worst rank: NR
7-3 | 233 lbs | 7-6 WS | Junior
Robert Deutsch-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 24 / Worst rank: NR
6-4 | 190 lbs | 6-5 WS | Senior
Emilee Chinn/Getty Pictures
Finest rank: 28 / Worst rank: NR
6-0 | 175 lbs | 6-3 WS | Senior
Bob Donnan-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 27 / Worst rank: NR
6-8 | 219 lbs | 6-11 | Senior
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Imagesn Pictures
Finest rank: 18 / Worst rank: NR
6-4 | 200 lbs | 6-5 WS | Freshman
Bob Donnan-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 13 / Worst rank: NR
6-10 | 235 lbs | 7-4 WS | Sophomore
Dylan Buell/Getty Pictures
Finest rank: 36 / Worst rank: NR
6-8 | 220 lbs | 6-10 WS | Sophomore
Bob Donnan-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 21 / Worst rank: NR
6-3 | 190 lbs | 6-6 WS | Junior
Photograph by Ezra Shaw/Getty Pictures
Finest rank: 33 / Worst rank: NR
6-6 | 236 lbs | 6-6 WS | Senior
College of Kentucky
Finest rank: 31 / Worst rank: NR
6-1 | 162 lbs | 6-6 WS | Junior
Benny Sieu-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 35 / Worst rank: NR
7-1 | 220 lbs | 7-3 WS | Sophomore
Steph Chambers/Getty Pictures
Finest rank: 34 / Worst rank: NR
7-0 | 250 lbs | 7-6 WS | Senior
Zachary Taft-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 27 / Worst rank: NR
6-5 | 195 lbs | 6-7 WS | Sophomore
Kansas State College
Finest rank: 24 / Worst rank: NR
6-6 | 195 lbs | 6-9 WS | 2006
KK Mega Basket
Finest rank: 25 / Worst rank: NR
6-7 | 190 lbs | 6-9 WS | 2007
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 34 / Worst rank: NR
6-9 | 240 lbs | 7-1 WS | Junior
College of Washington
Finest rank: 26 / Worst rank: NR
6-9 | 185 lbs | 6-11 WS | 2006
College of Southern California
Finest rank: 23 / Worst rank: NR
6-10 | 230 lbs | 7-0 WS | Sophomore
Chris Coduto/Getty Pictures
Finest rank: 27 / Worst rank: NR
7-2 | 260 lbs | 7-2 WS | Junior
Jeff Haynes/NBAE through Getty Pictures
Finest rank: 26 / Worst rank: NR
6-7 | 187 lbs | 6-8 WS | 2006
Arianna Grainey-Imagn Pictures
Finest rank: 29 / Worst rank: NR
6-6 | 200 lbs | 6-8 WS | Sophomore
College of Virginia
Finest rank: 37 / Worst rank: NR
6-10 | 220 lbs | 7-0 WS | 2005
Syracuse Athletics
Finest rank: 29 / Worst rank: NR
6-9 | 205 lbs | 6-10 | Sophomore
Illinois Athletics
Finest rank: 4 / Worst rank: NR
6-7 | 205 lbs | 6-9 | Junior
