The 2026 NBA draft is set for Tuesday, and AJ Dybantsa is widely expected to be the first name called. The BYU freshman averaged 25.5 points per game on 51% shooting, becoming just the fifth Division I player in 40 years to exceed 25 points while shooting over 50%. His length and shot creation make him a potential All-Star, according to analysts.
Consensus at No. 1
Andrew Lawrence states, 'Let’s not overthink this: Dybantsa has real superstar upside.' Claire de Lune adds that Washington should view him as a franchise cornerstone akin to Earl Monroe. Lee Escobedo calls him 'the greatest era of basketball talent.' All three writers agree Dybantsa leads the class.
A Strong Draft Class
This year's draft is loaded with blue-chip prospects beyond Dybantsa, including Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson. The top 10 is expected to feature several one-and-done college stars, validating the NIL era where players earn millions while developing against high-level competition.
International Prospects to Watch
Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea impressed scouts with his basketball IQ and pick-and-roll feel. Mexican forward Karim Lopez, who played for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, averaged nearly 12 points against older competition. Lopez is described as 'built like an enforcer but dances like a wing' by Escobedo. German combo guard Jack Kayil led Alba Berlin to a German title and is considered first-round talent.
Top 10 Mock Draft Predictions
Andrew Lawrence: 1) Wizards – AJ Dybantsa, 2) Jazz – Darryn Peterson, 3) Grizzlies – Cameron Boozer, 4) Bulls – Caleb Wilson, 5) Clippers – Brayden Burries, 6) Nets – Mikel Brown Jr, 7) Kings – Kingston Flemings, 8) Hawks – Keaton Wagler, 9) Mavericks – Darius Acuff Jr, 10) Bucks – Nate Ament.
Claire de Lune: 1) Wizards – Dybantsa, 2) Jazz – Boozer, 3) Grizzlies – Peterson, 4) Bulls – Wilson, 5) Clippers – Wagler, 6) Nets – Brown Jr, 7) Kings – Acuff Jr, 8) Hawks – Burries, 9) Mavericks – Flemings, 10) Bucks – Ament.
Lee Escobedo: 1) Wizards – Dybantsa, 2) Jazz – Peterson, 3) Grizzlies – Boozer, 4) Bulls – Wilson, 5) Clippers – Wagler, 6) Nets – Flemings, 7) Kings – Acuff Jr, 8) Hawks – Brown Jr, 9) Mavericks – Aday Mara, 10) Bucks – Ament.
Unheralded Prospects
Allen Graves from Santa Clara (6'8', 226 lbs) is praised for his hustle and back-to-the-basket scoring. Koa Peat of Arizona impressed in the NCAA Tournament with his size, ball-handling, and passing, though he needs to develop a jump shot. Escobedo highlights Karim Lopez again as a draft sleeper.
Best Draft Last Year
Lawrence picks the Hornets for landing Kon Knueppel and two-way players Liam McNeeley and Ryan Kalkbrenner. de Lune praises the Spurs for taking Dylan Harper second overall, noting his poise in the NBA Finals as a rookie. Escobedo lauds the Knicks for Mohamed Diawara, comparing him to OG Anunoby.
