AJ Dybantsa: Top Pick in 2026 NBA Mock Draft?

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.,June 30,2025

Early look at the top prospects

The 2026 NBA Draft class is already creating a stir with several potential No. 1 picks.

• AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer are early frontrunners.
• dybantsa is a dynamic 6-foot-9 wing from the Boston area.
• Peterson is described as the best player Kansas coach Bill Self has ever recruited.
• Boozer, son of former Duke star Carlos Boozer, is known for his winning record.
• Several other prospects, like Nate Ament and Jayden Quaintance, are also generating buzz.

It might potentially be over a year away, but the race for the top spot in the 2026 NBA Draft is heating up, and AJ Dybantsa is an early favorite among a strong group of prospects.

After a predictable 2025 NBA Draft which saw Cooper Flagg go No. 1 the 2026 draft is shaping up to be far more intriguing, with at least three players in contention for the top selection.

The top three

Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer are the names to watch. Each will be playing college basketball next season, with Peterson heading to Kansas, dybantsa enrolled at BYU, and Boozer committed to Duke.

The order in which these players are ranked is a matter of debate. For now, Dybantsa leads the pack, followed by Peterson and Boozer.

AJ Dybantsa: A star in the making

Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 wing from the Boston area, impressed at the Nike EYBL peach Jam event in North Augusta, South Carolina, two summers ago. Just weeks after his freshman year of high school, dybantsa led the tournament in scoring, showcasing the potential to become a top NBA Draft prospect.

Did you know? Dybantsa and Peterson will face each other next season at Allen Fieldhouse. The date is still to be determined, but it is indeed a can’t miss game for scouts.

Other potential lottery picks

Here’s a look at how the rest of the lottery might shake out:

1. Washington Wizards

AJ Dybantsa, BYU

Dybantsa has been a No.1 pick contender for years. The 6-9 wing is a dynamic shot-creator and scorer, with the potential to be a future scoring champion. Expect scouts to be a regular presence on BYU’s campus this season.

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson, Kansas

Kansas coach Bill self called Peterson “the best player he’s ever recruited,” high praise considering Self has coached a No. 1 overall pick (Andrew Wiggins) and an MVP (Joel Embiid).Dybantsa might be slightly ahead of Peterson, but both are expected to be the first two players drafted.

3. Atlanta Hawks

Cameron Boozer,Duke

Boozer may not have the long-term upside of Dybantsa or Peterson,but he could be the best college player of the three. The 6-9 forward is productive and a proven winner, with four high school state championships in Florida and three Nike EYBL titles. He is the son of former Duke star Carlos Boozer.

4. Charlotte Hornets

Nate Ament, Tennessee

Ament is a late-riser compared to Dybantsa and Boozer. He averaged just 3.7 points and 1.5 rebounds for the United States at last year’s FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship. As then, the Virginia native has grown to 6-11, improving as a shooter and passer.

5. Memphis Grizzlies

Jayden Quaintance,Kentucky

Quaintance averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in 24 appearances at Arizona State last season and is considered the best NBA prospect among returning college players. The 6-9 forward is now at Kentucky, recovering from an ACL injury. Despite being only 17, Quaintance possesses elite physical tools.

6. San antonio Spurs

Mikel Brown, Louisville

Brown grew five inches in high school, from 5-10 to 6-3, and is now the best point guard prospect entering college. The 18-year-old will play next season at Louisville.He’s a proven shooter, great with the ball, and a gifted passer. Strength will be key to unlocking his potential.

7. Oklahoma City Thunder

Karim Lopez, Mexico

Lopez performed well for the new England Breakers in the NBL last season, despite not turning 18 until April. The 6-9 forward has good genes; his father played for mexico’s national team. He projects as a high-level two-way wing who plays hard and possesses legitimate shooting potential.

8. Brooklyn Nets

Darius Acuff, Arkansas

John Calipari has coached 43 first-round picks at the collegiate level. Acuff should move the number to 44. The 6-2 lead guard from Detroit has a nice first step and obvious two-way tools. He was named MVP at the 2024 FIBA Under-18 Ameri-Cup, an event held in Argentina that the United States won.

9. Toronto Raptors

Isaiah Evans, Duke

Evans only averaged 13.7 minutes per game last season at Duke, where he was primarily a 3-point specialist off the bench, with 81.4% of his field-goal attempts from beyond the arc.He made 41.6% of those 3-pointers. At 6-6 with two-way potential, he could join Boozer in the lottery.

10.Atlanta Hawks

Caleb Wilson, North carolina

Wilson is a 6-9 forward with a 7-foot wingspan who should play a big role in North Carolina’s efforts to bounce back from a disappointing season. Ideally, he’ll develop into a versatile forward who impacts both ends of the court.Currently, Wilson excels due to his physical gifts more than his skillset.

11. Chicago Bulls

Tounde Yessoufou, Benin

Yessoufou is a 6-5 explosive wing who already looks the part at just 19 years old. He needs to refine his skills, but his physical tools and motor should give Baylor a first-round pick for the sixth consecutive year.

12.Portland Trail Blazers

Thomas Haugh,Florida

Three players from Florida’s national title-winning team were selected in last week’s NBA Draft: Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, and Will Richard. Haugh should join them as an NBA Draft pick next June after becoming one of Florida’s stars. His athleticism, versatility, and shooting touch give Florida a chance to repeat as NCAA tournament champions.

13. Sacramento Kings

Chris Cenac, Houston

Cenac was cut from USA Basketball’s under-19 team in June despite being ranked sixth in 247Sports’ Class of 2025 rankings, indicating how much he needs to develop. The 6-10 center is an engaging prospect who should start for a Kelvin Sampson team at Houston that could compete for a second straight trip to the Final Four.

14. Memphis Grizzlies

Bennett Stirtz, Iowa

If Cedric Coward can go from Division III to the lottery, anything is absolutely possible for Stirtz. The 6-4 point guard averaged 19.2 points and 5.7 assists last season at Drake, shooting 39.5% from 3-point range on 4.6 attempts per game. After the season, his coach, Ben McCollum, moved to Iowa, and Stirtz followed him. He should be a Big Ten Player of the Year candidate next season for the Hawkeyes.

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.,July 7,2025

Beyond the lottery: Scouting the 2026 NBA Draft Sleepers

While the focus remains on the top prospects like AJ Dybantsa and darryn Peterson,the 2026 NBA Draft boasts a deep pool of talent. Several players projected outside the lottery could make notable impacts.

Identifying these potential “sleepers” now can give teams a competitive edge. These are the players who could become the steals of the draft.

Mid-First Round Movers

These players have shown promise that could propel them into the late lottery or early first-round conversation with a strong college season.

15. Orlando Magic

kiyan Anthony, Syracuse

The son of NBA legend carmelo Anthony, Kiyan has a strong basketball pedigree. He is a 6-foot-5 shooting guard with a smooth jump shot.He needs to improve his defense, but his scoring ability suggests he will be a first-round pick.

16. Boston Celtics

Trentyn Flowers, Kentucky

Flowers plays with a unique blend of athleticism and skill. He is a 6-foot-8 wing who can handle the ball, shoot, and defend multiple positions. He should be an excellent pick in the middle of the first round.

17. Chicago Bulls

Brandon Bass Jr., Texas Tech

As the son of former NBA player Brandon Bass, Brandon Jr. has all the tools to make a name for himself in the draft. He is a 6-foot-9 forward with a good motor and a developing offensive game. Further development could elevate his draft stock.

18. New Orleans Pelicans

Malik Bowman, UCLA

bowman has great size and a wide wingspan that he uses to his advantage.He has shown flashes of a solid offensive game. He has excellent potential as a defensive player.

Rising Second-Round Prospects

These players are currently projected for the second round but could easily climb into the first with a strong performance. They frequently enough possess traits NBA teams covet.

1. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn)

Tyler Jackson,Gonzaga

Jackson,a 6-foot-11 center,has promising size and touch around the rim. However, if he can develop a consistent jump shot, coupled with his rebounding and shot-blocking skills, he becomes an intriguing prospect.

2. Philadelphia 76ers

Ty-Laur johnson, Louisville

Johnson is a fast and athletic point guard who needs to improve his shooting. His playmaking ability and defensive potential should give him a chance to make the league.

3. Cleveland cavaliers

Landon Mclaughlin, Arizona

A versatile forward, McLaughlin projects as a role player. His ability to guard three positions and knock down open shots could earn him a spot in the NBA.

scouting Tip: Watch for players who demonstrate strong work ethic and consistent improvement throughout the season. Those are indicators of long-term success.

Key Attributes of NBA Draft Sleepers

Identifying sleepers involves focusing on specific attributes that frequently enough predict NBA success. each of these attributes is about more than simple raw ability.

• Versatility: The ability to play multiple positions is highly valued. Players who can defend multiple spots on the floor, handle the ball, and score in different ways are valuable.
• High Basketball IQ: Players who make smart decisions, understand the game, and can adapt to different situations have a higher chance of success.
• Shooting proficiency: Reliable outside shooting is essential in the modern NBA. Improving shooting accuracy is key to success.
• Athleticism and Physical tools: Size, speed, and strength are always vital. These are often things that can be improved through effective training programs.

Practical Tips for Following the 2026 Draft

For fans eager to follow the 2026 draft closely, here are some practical tips to stay informed.

• Follow College Basketball: Watch games and track the progress of potential draftees.
• Read Scouting Reports: Reputable draft sites offer in-depth analysis of prospects.
• Attend Pre-Draft Workouts: If you can, go to games where the players will be participating in pre-draft workouts.
• Stay Updated on Team Needs: Knowing which positions teams need to fill helps predict draft selections.

the 2026 NBA Draft, while still quite a ways off, has the potential to deliver unexpected stars. By casting a wide net and focusing on these attributes, fans can discover hidden gems.

Myths vs. Facts: 2026 NBA Draft Edition

Myth	Fact
Only lottery picks can drastically impact an NBA team	Teams routinely find impactful players outside the lottery.
Height is the only factor in a player’s potential.	Skills, basketball IQ, and work ethic are equal factors
Athletic ability is something you are born with.	While certain traits are innate, athleticism can still be improved through training and better conditioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about identifying NBA draft sleepers:

Q: What differentiates a “sleeper” prospect?

A: A “sleeper” in the NBA Draft is a player projected to be drafted later than his talent warrants. This can be due to a variety of factors: lack of exposure, flaws in their game that can be easily corrected, or being overshadowed by higher-profile prospects.

Q: How important is a player’s college performance when evaluating sleepers?

A: Very important. College statistics, playing time, and the level of competition they face provide valuable insights into a player’s skills and their ability to perform under pressure.

Q: At what point in the draft are “sleepers” most likely to be discovered?

A: Sleepers are most commonly found in the mid-to-late first round and in the second round.

Q: are there any specific skills that are particularly important for “sleeper” prospects to possess?

A: yes. Versatility (ability to play multiple positions),a high basketball IQ (smart decision-making and adaptability),and reliable outside shooting are particularly prized in today’s NBA.