My Top 75 2026 NBA Draft prospects, from Cameron Boozer to Tobe Awaka

We’re lower than per week away from the 2026 NBA Draft, and as I’ve stated prior to now, whereas the depth of the group is loaded, there isn’t a singular LeBron James or Victor Wembanyama on the high.

Actually, my No. 1 alternative deviates from consensus, and 4 gamers — BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Duke’s Cameron Boozer, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson — could make a reputable declare to the highest choice. Past these 4, an virtually overwhelming class of level guards, together with Illinois’ Keaton Wagler, Houston’s Kingston Flemings and extra, makes for a tough recreation of splitting hairs.

Final month, a few days earlier than an NBA Draft Lottery that noticed the Washington Wizards lastly emerge with the No. 1 choose, I unveiled my high 15 prospects on this 12 months’s class, with Boozer main the best way. You could find a lot deeper evaluation on every prospect right here, however as a refresher, right here’s a snapshot of that board:

Tier 1

 

Tier 2

 

Tier 3

 

Tier 4

 

Tier 5

 

After one other month of analysis, this is how the remainder of my board seems, from No. 16 to No. 75, with a late addition to the top-five tiers. (Ages listed are as of draft evening; heights are rounded measurements with out sneakers from Might’s NBA Draft Mix.)

16. Allen Graves, ahead, 6-8, Santa Clara

Drafting Graves means accepting excessive final result variance, however that is the purpose within the draft the place I believe that is sensible. I like numerous the gamers nonetheless on the board, however none of them have the outlier traits Graves has. It’s potential that he’s too foul-prone and his recreation is just too bizarre to discover a true spot within the NBA, however he does numerous issues that basically translate — passing, rebounding, getting his arms on tons of balls — and blew up analytical fashions.

Taking part in towards principally minnows within the West Coast Convention as a redshirt freshman, Graves is an uncommon case. Scouts would have preferred to see extra video games towards elite competitors, and ideally, a switch to a Energy 5 league to judge him as a potential 2027 lottery choose. He did numerous harm towards the weakest groups on Santa Clara’s schedule, though his 17-point, seven-rebound NCAA Event recreation towards Kentucky eased some nerves.

Graves is a high-IQ participant who averaged 2.5 dimes for each turnover, shot 41.3 p.c from 3, had an insane steal price for an enormous with seemingly modest mobility (4.9 p.c!) and feasted on the offensive boards.

That stated, haters gained’t lack materials. He’s probably the most athletically underwhelming participant in my high 30 — not that adept at creating his personal shot, not that springy within the paint and with out a pure defensive place. His finishes are under the rim, his shot takes eons to load up, and in a weak league, his foul price was an eye-popping 7.9 per 100 possessions.

It’s a little bit of a high-risk, high-reward state of affairs. However Graves’ really feel and arms could also be so elite that they fully negate his being a meh athlete and switch him right into a starter anyway. Right here’s the place I’m comfy taking the plunge.

Tier 6

17. Morez Johnson Jr., huge, 6-9, Michigan

I’m a bit stunned to see Washington’s Hannes Steinbach getting extra shine than Johnson. I went to the Washington-Michigan recreation in January, and Johnson owned that matchup. Certain, it was three vs. one within the frontcourt, however Johnson had a monster recreation on the glass with 16 boards.

After all, one recreation doesn’t make a prospect, however Johnson’s constant manufacturing in a secondary function bodes properly for what he can do as a 3rd huge on the NBA stage, doubtless toggling between energy ahead and middle. I’m not over the moon about his taking pictures type, however he made 78.2 p.c from the road and exhibits promise as any individual who could make 3s from the nook as he develops.

Defensively, Johnson’s switchability has maybe been overrated; he’s not prime Bam Adebayo, however he’s first rate. That’s kind of the entire thing with Johnson: He doesn’t stand out in a single class, however he’s strong throughout the board and needs to be playable instantly. It might assist if he may very well be a full-time middle, however at 6-9 in socks with an 8-11 standing attain, he could also be somewhat quick for that function.

Nonetheless, it’s fairly straightforward to see him becoming in as an Isaiah Stewart-type huge, and the correct tail final result presents the upside of turning into an Al Horford-type huge who can begin at each energy ahead and middle.

18. Ebuka Okorie, guard, 6-1, Stanford

As a freshman at Stanford, Okorie averaged as many factors per possession as AJ Dybantsa on higher effectivity. He did so with extra assists and fewer turnovers, with the next 3-point share and with twice as many steals and a worse supporting solid.

Dybantsa is projected because the No. 1 choose, and individuals are barely speaking about Okorie. That’s partly as a result of Okorie wasn’t on the hype listing coming into the season, partly as a result of he’s solely 6-1 and partly as a result of he performs an archetype (scoring level guard) that makes individuals nervous.

Offensively, he didn’t have lots round him, however he additionally missed some possibilities to ship passes and compelled up performs on the rim as a substitute; a few of his pictures have been fairly wild. Okorie will get into the paint continuously, however you’d really feel extra assured a couple of guard of this measurement if he performed extra as a set-up man. Regardless of questions on his taking pictures, Okorie hit 35.4 p.c from 3 and 83.2 p.c from the road; it’s not a energy, nevertheless it’s not an enormous legal responsibility.

Defensively, he’s small however slides his toes and had a strong steal price; a 6-7 wingspan helps on this finish. In a draft deep with rotation-caliber level guards, I like Okorie a bit higher than the following few names on the listing.

19. Cameron Carr, guard, 6-4, Baylor

Carr’s electrical efficiency in his one draft mix recreation showcased why his recreation ought to make extra influence on the NBA stage than it did at Baylor, as he knocked down a number of deep 3s and flew down the lane for transition dunks. Carr’s 38-inch no-step vertical was the second-best on the mix, and he makes use of it in-game; his 4.0 p.c block price was phenomenal for a 6-4 guard; a 7-foot wingspan helps.

Carr has a skinny body at 184 kilos however nonetheless managed to shoot 60.2 p.c contained in the arc, and his 10.0 p.c rebound price once more stands out for a lighter guard.

What stands out maybe much less is his really feel for the sport, with Carr barely posting a constructive assist-to-turnover ratio and lacking passes at occasions to shoot jumpers as a substitute. I’ll be aware that he can actually shoot, getting nice elevation on his soar shot whereas making 37.4 p.c from 3 and 80.1 p.c from the road. Nevertheless, his deal with is fairly rudimentary, and he principally operates in straight strains. Defensively, Carr may influence the sport with shock blocks, however he must be extra constant in between highlights.

20. Hannes Steinbach, huge, 6-10, Washington

Steinbach is an elite rebounder with superior arms and led the Large Ten in each defensive rebound price and complete rebound price as a freshman. He additionally runs the ground properly and has the outlines of an eventual floor-spacer. He solely made 34.0 p.c of his 3s, and a few of the misses have been brutal, however he shot 75.9 p.c from the free-throw line. Watching his type earlier than video games, it’s a plausible stroke that doubtless solely wants reps to turn into threatening as a pick-and-pop weapon. He’ll even be purposeful in elbow actions and as a short-roller, with first rate really feel as a screener and passer.

Steinbach, nevertheless, raises extra questions on the defensive finish. He’s not a rim protector however doesn’t have the toes to modify onto guards on the perimeter. He might want to present he can maintain up in pick-and-roll protection towards elite guards.

That lack of explosion additionally interprets to the offensive finish. At 6-10, he doesn’t fairly have true middle peak, and he doesn’t persistently play above the rim. A man who rebounds like this and has an offensive ability set goes to play within the league, nevertheless it’s most likely not as a starter.

21. Labaron Philon, guard, 6-3, Alabama

Philon has lots to advocate him as an offensive participant, with as various a bag of finishes on the cup as any participant on this draft. He additionally improved dramatically as a shooter, with the soar in percentages backed up by the notably smoother launch I noticed watching him work pregame.

Philon had a strong help price however benefited from an open, pro-style Alabama system that lets pick-and-roll guards prepare dinner. Regardless of that surroundings, he made some bewildering turnovers with dangerous passes (4.4 miscues per 100 possessions total) and should enhance his decision-making.

Defensively, Philon is a query mark. He’s undersized and didn’t make up for it with any notable instincts for the ball, and his rebound price (5.7 p.c) was poor even for a degree guard. With a skinny body on high of it, he might find yourself focused too simply to be a starter.

22. Christian Anderson, guard, 6-1, Texas Tech

Anderson can actually shoot (40.0 p.c profession from 3), and the spectacular half is how a lot elevation he will get when he shoots a jumper off the dribble, permitting him to fling typically (12.1 makes an attempt per 100 possessions). He’ll be deadly taking pictures off screens if defenders go underneath, and he could make the correct reads in pick-and-roll.

The difficulty is whether or not he has sufficient measurement and athletic juice to perform as greater than a backup. Anderson measured 6-1 in socks on the mix and 180 kilos, and you may really feel that when groups pressured him; traps would swallow him up, as he had bother getting the ball out over measurement. Whereas he had a robust help price and excelled at delivering pocket passes, his restricted juice for self-created pictures is a priority. Along with his lack of measurement, he has restricted burst and lacks a very misleading deal with to indicate he can beat NBA switches.

Defensively, Anderson’s stats have been fairly underwhelming, and the tape isn’t very convincing both, however he additionally performed just about each minute of each recreation for Texas Tech, so these breathers on protection have been doubtless a pure response.

23. Isaiah Evans, wing, 6-6, Duke

I’m at all times going to rank knockdown shooters as a result of they at all times find yourself enjoying, and in Evans’ case, he added sufficient on-ball juice in his sophomore season to supply some optimism about being greater than a floor-spacer. Evans can also be taller than many gamers of this ilk, measuring 6-5 1/2 in socks on the mix.

The centerpiece of Evans’ resume, nevertheless, is that he shot 38.0 p.c for his profession from 3s and 84.9 p.c from the road and did it on very excessive quantity (16.4 tries per 100 possessions), which signifies a capability to get open and launch in quite a lot of methods. Evans additionally used the specter of his shot to open straight strains to the rim, taking pictures 56.7 p.c on 2s.

To remain on the ground, he’ll have to indicate he can play satisfactory protection, and with a slight 186-pound body, that could be the most important roadblock. Evans additionally had a low steal price for a wing prospect, though he did handle to swat 25 pictures. His rebound price is a purple flag, too, at simply 5.4 p.c in ACC video games, a particularly poor exhibiting for a participant of his peak. These shortcomings might go away him in a task as a specialist and cap his means to begin.

24. Bennett Stirtz, guard, 6-3, Iowa

Stirtz’s taking pictures numbers are actually strong for a man who was persistently having to shoot grenades on the finish of the clock for certainly one of faculty basketball’s slowest-paced groups. He has good measurement for the following stage with a 6-6 wingspan, will get to his spots off the dribble and was in a position to explode up for finishes on the rim. That’s Stirtz’s most spectacular stat, making 61.9 p.c of his 2s in Large Ten play as a guard.

As a shooter, he’s good however not on Christian Anderson’s (above) stage. Watching him pregame on the NCAA Event, he had a pleasant stroke with vary, however I wouldn’t fairly name him a knockdown man; he’s 37.2 p.c from 3 for his profession and 82.0 p.c from the road.

The remainder of his profile is strong however unremarkable. Stirtz is on the skinny aspect at 186 kilos however had a strong steal price and will be capable of guard his place. As a distributor, he made the correct play most of the time however didn’t stand out. He’ll even be 23 when the season begins, making him lengthy within the tooth relative to different prospects right here. In brief, he’s, like the opposite guys on this part, a fairly strong guess to play rotation minutes and but not a terrific guess to be a long-term starter.

Tier 7

25. Chris Cenac Jr., huge, 6-10, Houston

A theoretical huge who spent his whole freshman season hanging out within the nook on offense, Cenac’s largest promoting level is a monster rebound price in his lone season at Houston (18.0 p.c), mixed with the truth that he shot 62.8 p.c on 2s in Large 12 video games regardless of taking numerous midrange jumpers.

Cenac presents glimmers of hope as a floor-spacer, though that appears to be a venture: He made 33.3 p.c from 3 on pretty mild quantity and shot 62.1 p.c from the road. Of extra encouraging be aware is his ball safety, with simply 33 turnovers the complete season. Even for bigs in off-ball roles, that’s not widespread.

Defensively, Cenac is huge and pretty cell, with true middle measurement because of a 7-5 wingspan. Nevertheless, he disappoints as a rim protector, sending again simply 18 pictures in 37 video games. Cenac requires a bit extra projection than another gamers on this class and is unlikely to be game-ready instantly, however he has some actual upside as a floor-spacing glass-eater who strikes fairly fluidly for his measurement.

26. Henri Veesaar, huge, 6-11, North Carolina

We at the moment are into the group of gamers who would have been second-rounders in a standard draft, however title, picture and likeness (NIL) actually thinned out the herd after in regards to the twentieth place on the board.

Veesaar, who would be the third-ever NBA participant from Estonia when he takes the court docket, is a tempting participant; his upside state of affairs is one thing like a stretch huge with actual mobility and ability who may very well be an enormous offensive plus. Getting there requires a little bit of squinting.

The taking pictures effectivity stats final season are exceptional — 42.6 p.c from 3 and 67.7 p.c contained in the arc. That 2-point mark is notable as a result of it wasn’t all dunks and layups; he can end with contact and strikes properly off the ball into floaters and quick jumpers. He’s a very good passer for his measurement, too, and needs to be efficient as a curler.

Nevertheless, Veesaar’s profession 65.4 p.c free-throw mark doesn’t actually again up the concept he’s a knockdown shooter, and watching him work earlier than video games supplied extra warning. He’s a succesful shooter at this level, however work stays.

Veesaar might want to ship offensively due to his defensive considerations. He measured 6-11 with a 9-3 standing attain, however he has a excessive base and lacks bulk, which makes it straightforward for opposing bigs to push him round. His shot blocking and rebounding totals have been fairly modest, and he may be sluggish to vary ends. He additionally ran out of gasoline within the Tar Heels’ NCAA Event recreation towards VCU, though that’s much less of a difficulty if he’s a bench participant.

27. Meleek Thomas, guard, 6-3, Arkansas

Thomas has the potential for being an Anfernee Simons-type scoring guard, however he appears caught in between positions. At 6-3 and 186 kilos with a 6-7 wingspan, he’s undersized for taking pictures guard however doesn’t show the kind of distribution expertise that might lend to enjoying the purpose.

Thomas minimizes turnovers by taking pictures earlier than something dangerous has an opportunity to occur. I’m solely kind of joking. His minuscule 6.7 p.c turnover price was spectacular for a high-usage guard, however he additionally averaged over 5 subject purpose makes an attempt for each help.

In the end, I are inclined to imagine in him as a bench weapon as a result of he can shoot. Thomas hit 84.3 p.c from the road and 41.6 p.c from 3 in his lone season at Arkansas, offsetting forgettable and sometimes head-slapping work contained in the arc (44.9 p.c on 2s with a low free-throw price in SEC play). He can shoot with vary, off the bounce and on the run and elevates sufficient to get it away over a contest.

Defensively, Thomas at the least had a excessive steal price, and at 19 on draft evening, his age presents some upside that his physique will fill out and even perhaps develop a bit extra. General, although, he was a multitude on that finish. You’re drafting him to get buckets.

28. Jayden Quaintance, huge, 6-9, Kentucky

The primary query with Quaintance is whether or not he’ll ever be wholesome, and the second is whether or not he’ll ever be sufficient of a menace on offense.

Let’s begin with the excellent news: Quaintance is 6-9 with a 7-5 wingspan and posted a 9.8 p.c block price as a 17-year-old freshman at Arizona State in 2024-25. He additionally sports activities an 11.1 p.c profession offensive rebound price and exhibits the flexibility to maneuver his toes and stick with guards on switches. He’s not as huge as New York’s Mitchell Robinson, however the parallels are there.

Talking of which … Quaintance is a forty five.2 p.c profession foul shooter. Yikes. He’s large enough to complete performs across the basket, however he doesn’t explode off the ground and rip off the rim both. Away from the rim, he’s of restricted worth as a result of he can’t shoot, though he had a strong help price for an enormous man and has some purposeful dribbling means.

The most important subject, nevertheless, is the state of his knees. Groups will want a deep dive into his medical: knee points restricted him to 4 video games at Kentucky this previous season after a torn ACL late in his freshman season at Arizona State.

Tier 8

29. Zuby Ejiofor, huge, 6-8, St. John’s

Ejiofor is an fascinating participant as a result of his offensive function could be someplace between “restricted” and “nonexistent,” and but, he makes so many successful performs that he may nonetheless influence video games as a Chuck Hayes-type ahead who sometimes masquerades as a middle.

Ejiofor is stoutly constructed however solely 6-7 1/2 in socks, so asking him to play middle on the subsequent stage will likely be a problem. That’s notably notable on the defensive boards, the place his 15.0 p.c defensive rebound price in convention video games isn’t going to chop it. He does, nevertheless, have nice instincts for blocking pictures regardless of not being a bouncy athlete and led the Large East in rejections as a senior.

Offensively, Ejiofor emerged as a playmaker for others in 2025-26, with a powerful 6.7 assists per 100 possessions. I’m at all times a sucker for larger gamers who can move, and I believe Ejiofor’s widebody screens and distribution will make him a terrific match working out of the elbows.

Ejiofor is a 70.9 p.c profession foul shooter and solely made 31 3s in 4 faculty seasons, however watching him earlier than video games, I don’t assume his shot is damaged; getting him to the purpose the place he makes one-third from distance doesn’t appear daunting.

His largest ability, nevertheless, is that he performs so arduous, chasing offensive boards and unfastened balls and combating on each play on protection. He’s a task participant, however he is aware of it.

30. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, guard, 6-0, Tennessee

At no level within the final 12 months did I contemplate the chance that Gillespie would find yourself within the high 30 on my board. Then NIL acquired its mitts on many of the candidates I had within the 20s and 30s, Gillespie confirmed out within the draft mix scrimmages and, properly, do you’ve got somebody higher to place right here? I believe he has a strong probability of being a greater model of Chucky Atkins, as a smaller, shot-making rotation guard.

Gillespie can shoot from deep, with high-arcing splashes that he can launch off the dribble. That is the place it’s vital to grasp that quantity and foul taking pictures are extra predictive of NBA 3-point taking pictures than the proportion a participant shot in faculty. Whereas Gillespie solely hit 33.8 p.c from 3 as a senior, he flung 14.6 makes an attempt per 100 possessions and shot 81.1 p.c from the road. Watching him shoot earlier than video games, his taking pictures is not going to be a difficulty. What might need been a difficulty is his measuring 5-11 3/4 in socks on the mix, simply barely clawing his strategy to a 6-0 itemizing on his buying and selling card.

Gillespie is aware of methods to run a group, posting a strong help price at Tennessee and exhibiting some knack for ending within the paint, regardless of a spacing-constrained system that gave him little room. I’d name the passing extra “purposeful” than “dazzling,” however he can get the ball the place it must go.

Defensively, Gillespie’s measurement is a matter, however he’s a ballhawk with nice arms (3.6 p.c steal price) and has a strong base that would assist him get underneath opposing dribblers.

31. Baba Miller, ahead, 6-11, Cincinnati

I’ve been intrigued by Miller since his freshman 12 months at Florida State, and he has an intersection of measurement, mobility and ballhandling that helps offset his restricted scoring chops and taking pictures means. He has an opportunity to make it as a switchable function participant who can guard one by 4.

First, let’s not mince phrases: Miller’s taking pictures is an issue. He shot 29.0 p.c from 3 in his faculty profession and 61.9 p.c from the road. The rationale you draft Miller is for the opposite stuff. He has sufficient deal with and passing means to get others concerned and in addition will get out and scores extra successfully in transition. That might profit him within the NBA’s extra open recreation, as he confirmed in his strong efficiency in draft mix scrimmages.

Defensively, standing 6-10 1/2 in socks with a 9-3 standing attain, Miller is large enough to take turns as a small-ball middle if he provides some energy, and he backed that up by main the Large 12 in defensive rebound price regardless of enjoying subsequent to a different huge middle. Between that and a 31 1/2 inch standing vertical, he has sufficient bounce to supply glorious secondary rim safety from the ahead spot.

Miller has a skinny body and struggles with physicality. This not solely impacts him within the paint on protection but in addition as an offensive participant when he tries to complete. Between that and the dearth of taking pictures, he’s removed from a positive factor. However his strengths are strong sufficient that I believe he has an honest probability of turning into a back-end rotation participant even when the taking pictures by no means comes round.

32. Emanuel Sharp, guard, 6-3, Houston

I’m larger on Sharp than simply about anyone else, however in a draft with restricted proficient exterior the highest 25, his 3-and-D potential stands out to me as soon as we get into the second spherical. Scouts will likely be involved that Sharp measured solely 6-2 ¾ in socks with a 6-3 wingspan, impacted his means to be a real wing stopper towards the Jayson Tatums and Luka Dončićs of the world. Nevertheless, he checked Houston’s greatest opponent each evening, and the Cougars have been an superior defensive group the complete time he was there. Sharp can also be a ballhawk, averaging over three steals per 100 possessions in his sophomore and junior seasons earlier than dropping to “simply” 2.5 as a senior.

On the offensive aspect, Sharp isn’t a degree guard and doesn’t get downhill a lot; his energy is working into 3s and letting it rip from distance. He averaged 14.8 3 makes an attempt per 100 possessions and shot 87.1 p.c profession from the road; longtime readers will know these two components level the arrow means up on his floor-spacing potential within the NBA, rather more than his 37.2 p.c mark from 3 as a senior would possibly point out. He additionally by no means turns the ball over, a refined benefit that helps offset his lack of on-ball shot creation and restricted passing.

Superior stats additionally love Sharp, who produced monstrous BPMs every of his remaining two seasons as a Cougar. He has just about no probability at stardom, and even starterdom, however initiatives as a uncommon high-floor man this late within the draft.

33. Trevon Brazile, huge, 6-10, Arkansas

It’s been a journey for Brazile, who had first-round buzz coming into his sophomore 12 months earlier than tearing his ACL. That was 4 years in the past, and he’s lastly again within the draft crosshairs after a robust season at Arkansas and an eye-opening mix.

Brazile is tall and lengthy for a ahead (6-9 1/2 in socks with a large 7-3 3/4 wingspan, making him a uncommon “plus-6” in scout parlance), has a dribble-pass-shoot ability set and pops off the ground (36-inch no-step vertical). He’s not fairly elite in any of these areas. The choice-making may be shaky, the taking pictures is inconsistent (35.1 p.c profession from 3 and simply 66.2 p.c from the road) and he hasn’t at all times harnessed his leaping means within the move of a recreation, particularly as a rebounder.

However, he’s a relentless lob menace, particularly in transition, who shot 68.5 p.c and 76.0 p.c on 2s in SEC video games the previous two seasons, and he’s turn into a “shares” (steals + blocks) wizard who averaged 5.3 per 100 possessions final season in SEC video games. The secondary rim safety, specifically, is a ability that ought to translate.

At this level within the draft, Brazile appears to be a real worth, whilst a 23-year-old fifth-year senior with an damage historical past. There are some trick-or-treat facets as a consequence of his still-evolving really feel, however he has particular upside to be a beginning energy ahead.

34. Joshua Jefferson, ahead, 6-8, Iowa State

Jefferson evokes comparisons to fellow former Cyclone Georges Niang as an unathletic energy ahead who barely seems like a basketball participant however has such good really feel as a playmaker and passer that he makes it work. Like Niang when he reached the NBA, Jefferson may use some work getting in higher form.

Jefferson’s taking pictures has lengthy been a query, however he shot 3s extra repeatedly and extra precisely than ever earlier than as a senior, hitting 34.5 p.c (child steps) and 70.0 p.c from the road. If he can power defenders to protect him on the perimeter, that’s a game-changer.

In the meantime, his charges of assists and steals are in Allen Graves territory and, like Graves, don’t compute whenever you see his 246- pound body. Jefferson is constructed like a left deal with however in some way has the stats of a degree guard. He dished 9.0 dimes per 100 in Large 12 play — the next price than projected lottery level guard Keaton Wagler — and swiped 3.1 steals per 100 in Large 12 video games. The latter was the bottom price of his profession.

How all this interprets to the NBA is an open query, notably as a result of he’s so unthreatening nearer to the basket. That’s the largest purpose I couldn’t put him larger. Jefferson’s profession 2-point taking pictures share is simply 49.5 p.c, and he doesn’t have the type of short-range really feel and contact to offset a obvious lack of elevation.

The comparability to Graves above is instructive. Jefferson performed in the identical league on the similar age (he performed his first two faculty seasons at Saint Mary’s), and the profile, whereas sturdy, was nowhere close to as eye-popping as Graves’.

35. Otega Oweh, wing, 6-4, Kentucky

Oweh is certainly one of “my guys” — I’ve been persistently larger on him than most boards over his final three years at Kentucky. He has a robust body and prototype two-guard measurement at 6-4 1/4 in socks with a 6-8 1/4 wingspan. He will get downhill and finishes, even towards packed-in defenses, and thrives in transition, all of which ought to profit him within the extra open ground of the NBA.

His taking pictures is a query, with an elbow-out launch that produced profession marks of 34.7 p.c from 3 and 72.1 p.c from the road. It isn’t fairly tragic, however he’ll undoubtedly be under common on this respect for a professional taking pictures guard.

The place he’ll make up for it’s along with his aggressive protection. He is at occasions too aggressive (4.7 fouls per 100 as a guard), however Oweh swiped 3.0 steals per 100 possessions in SEC video games and has the scale, energy and athleticism to be a troublesome participant on this finish. He performs arduous, too.

Oweh has to refine his ability stage, enhance as a distributor and rely much less on beast ball within the paint, the place his ending ability may nonetheless use some work. However he initiatives as a strong bench defender who gained’t kill you on offense, with some upside if his subsequent group can refine his shot.

36. Tarris Reed. Jr., huge, 6-10, Connecticut

Reed is a “not fairly” man with regards to a first-round projection, however at this level within the draft, he presents a comparatively excessive likelihood of sticking as a backup middle.

I say “not fairly” as a result of he’s not fairly as tall as you need (6-9 3/4 in socks) and never fairly as in form as you need (264 kilos) and probably not as younger as you need (23 when camp opens) and doesn’t actually shoot it such as you need (58.2 p.c from the road profession) and fouls an excessive amount of (7.1 personals per 100 possessions in Large East play). He additionally isn’t all that switchable and doesn’t actually move a lot as soon as he will get the ball (though he improved fairly a bit in that space as a senior).

That stated, there are some echoes of his namesake Paul Reed (no relation) right here: Put him in a recreation, and stuff simply occurs. Reed had an outstanding 20.1 p.c rebound price and 9.0 p.c block price in Large East video games, he shot 64.2 p.c on 2s and he acquired numerous baskets on his personal steam making strikes within the paint. He gained’t at all times make the very best selections on both finish, and the ending towards size can get wild, however he would possibly rack up double-doubles if he will get minutes.

Tier 9

37. Koa Peat, ahead, 6-7, Arizona

My favourite tier of yore was hopelessly thinned out by A) the standard on the high of his draft and B) NIL cash luring some pretend prospects again to the faculty ranks. So we’re left with Peat.

First, let me assert that I don’t assume he’s fairly as apparent a fail candidate as some prospects of yore that appeared right here. Nonetheless, I’ve seen him projected as a lottery choose for a lot of the 12 months, and I’ve questions.

Peat measured simply 6-7 in socks on the mix, with a 6-11 wingspan and 8-8 standing attain — dimensions which can be far too small to play the middle spot. But as a ahead, he leaves a lot to be desired. For starters, he can’t shoot. That 7-of-20 from 3 he shot in video games was a miracle of fortune; Peat’s tortured type exhibits itself most clearly earlier than video games, and his 62.3 p.c taking pictures mark from the road is an correct barometer of the place his stroke stands.

Past that, his peripheral stats aren’t that spectacular. He shot solely 53.8 p.c contained in the arc. He has some short-range contact and two-footed pop but in addition isn’t persistently ending above the rim. His rebound price was poor, even for an influence ahead, at 10.1 p.c. His steal price, one other indicator stat, was additionally means under par for a participant of his measurement (simply 1.3 steals per 100).

If he makes it, his passing and deal with will likely be why. Peat has good really feel for high-low entries (one thing Arizona required fairly a bit). He’ll doubtless be a strong distributor from the elbows if anybody may be bothered to protect him on the market.

Within the absence of radical enchancment as a shooter, I may see Peat as a very efficient G League middle. I simply don’t know what he does on the NBA stage.

Tier 10

38. Dillon Mitchell, wing, 6-7, St. John’s

That crashing sound you heard was the underside falling out of this draft. Mitchell is the best choice left regardless of the plain taking pictures questions, just because his athleticism as a transition participant, off-ball cutter and defender make him considerably helpful even when the jumper by no means comes round. Relating to that, don’t maintain your breath: Mitchell’s profession marks are 19.3 p.c from 3 and 48.8 p.c from the road. YIKES.

Mitchell had excessive charges of blocks and steals and appeared to embrace a defensive function at St. John’s this previous 12 months. Combining his arduous play with a 32-1/2-inch no-step vertical and prototype wing stopper dimensions (6-6 3/4 in socks with a 6-10 1/2 wingspan), he ought to examine the field on that finish.

If a man like that is going to make it, it’s as a Gary Payton II-type function participant who’s so harmful reducing, rolling and enjoying in transition that it offsets an apparent lack of ground spacing. On that be aware, a notable growth in Mitchell’s senior 12 months was his averaging three assists for each turnover, one thing he confirmed within the mix scrimmages as properly. That provides him an opportunity.

39. Jack Kayil, guard, 6-4, Alba Berlin

Why not? Kayil is a helpful choose at this level as a result of he has stash functionality as a consequence of his German passport, however relative to most stashes, he has extra demonstrated basketball means. In a second spherical with numerous meh, stash picks will doubtless be fairly standard.

A combo guard who initially dedicated to Gonzaga, Kayil put up strong numbers as a 20-year-old within the German league, which isn’t the very best league in Europe however is aggressive. He had notable charges of steals, however the ability wants refinement: Kayil’s turnover price stood out, he shot solely 30.3 p.c from 3, and even contained in the arc, he struggles to attain persistently. Nevertheless, he did draw heaps of fouls, and his consistency from the road over a number of seasons presents some hope that his 3-ball will come round.

General, he strikes me as a lesser model of Otega Oweh, as an influence guard with taking pictures and effectivity questions, however Kayil’s stashability strikes him previous a number of names listed under.

40. Ryan Conwell, guard, 6-2, Louisville

A lefty combo guard who shoots 3s first and asks questions later, Conwell launched a panoramic 17.5 3s per 100 possessions final season. Solely 34.5 p.c of them went in, and a few of the seems have been, let’s say, aggressive, however Conwell profiles as a plus shooter. He made 41.3 p.c from 2 a 12 months earlier at Xavier and shot 83.5 p.c from the road for his profession.

That taking pictures makes up for what is a reasonably blah resume in any other case. Conwell is middling at greatest as a distributor and never notably environment friendly scoring contained in the arc. His aggressive protection can generate steals but in addition leads to an unusually excessive price of fouls for a guard (5.1 per 100 possessions). He helps extra on the boards than a typical participant of this ilk, and he has a strong body that ought to assist him examine larger gamers when switched.

He’s additionally quick for an off-ball guard (6-2 in socks), one thing he helps offset along with his energy, competitiveness and wingspan (a extra spectacular 6-7). However realistically, he most likely must shoot 40 p.c from 3 to stay.

41. Alex Karaban, wing, 6-7, Connecticut

Karaban is among the draft’s most divisive gamers. He performed an enormous function in a massively profitable UConn program, but this projection is difficult as a result of he doesn’t have one defining ability.

The controversy begins at what ought to appear to be an apparent query: Can this man shoot? Karaban exhibits flashes of taking pictures and motion and made 84.4 p.c of his free throws, however his odd movement (a right-hander taking pictures from the left aspect of his physique whereas standing 1 / 4 flip sideways) makes you marvel about how constant he may be. He made 37.4 p.c of his profession 3s at UConn on respectable quantity. Possibly he’s simply … common?

Karaban’s peripheral stats have been additionally pretty poor. He had very low charges of steals and rebounds for a role-player candidate, and even his help price was nothing to put in writing dwelling about regardless of periodic flashes of plus-feel in passing chain sequences for UConn.

In the end, the very best case for drafting Karaban is that this: He’s an enormous wing, and you may by no means have sufficient of them. Measuring 6-6 1/2 in socks with a 6-11 wingspan, exhibiting the aptitude to adequately defend the place and taking pictures properly sufficient that you simply wouldn’t essentially select to depart him open, leaves numerous doorways open for quarter-hour an evening of just-don’t-kill-us performance. At this level within the draft, that’s a win.

42. Braden Smith, guard, 5-10, Purdue

Smith was an superior faculty participant, however he’s actually small. It’s extraordinarily arduous to stay within the league at 5-10, though he at the least presents a plus wingspan (6-3 1/4). That’s going to be an enormous issue each time he takes the court docket, as opponents hunt him repeatedly on protection, and his personal lack of altitude limits what he can do towards switches on offense.

Nonetheless, Smith has a transparent ground as a 3rd level guard as a result of he’s so good at working an offense, hitting open pictures and making a pest of himself on protection. The upside is that he’s so harmful in pick-and-roll that he turns into a must-play regardless of his measurement. Smith is a strolling dime who averaged 14.4 assists per 100 possessions in Large Ten play and three dimes for each turnover. Michigan’s rockiest effort en path to a nationwide title was attempting to cease Smith within the Large Ten title recreation.

I’d like him higher if he may punish switches extra simply along with his taking pictures. Whereas he’s comfortably stepping into pull-ups towards larger gamers, Smith solely shot 49.1 p.c on 2s final season and 47.1 p.c for his profession. He shot 38.5 p.c from 3 for his profession on modest quantity.

One fascinating be aware: Smith shot dramatically higher on each 2s and 3s in Large Ten play, the place most gamers see their numbers decline (versus non-conference “purchase” video games towards Southeast Northwestern State Tech). Is he higher when he will get extra familiarity with a group’s coverages and methods to dissect them?

Of necessity for a participant this measurement, Smith had a powerful steal price (3.0 per 100 possessions) and had extra steals than fouls in every of his final two seasons.

43. Bruce Thornton, guard, 6-0, Ohio State

If you happen to’re going to guess on an undersized combo guard, you’d choose it’s one like Thornton, whose fire-hydrant body offers him an opportunity to root underneath larger gamers in swap conditions.

Thornton measured simply 6-0 in socks on the mix and profiles as an off-ball participant on the subsequent stage, and his taking pictures quantity from 3 wants to extend dramatically to stay on this function. He has made 40.0 p.c and 42.4 p.c from distance the previous two seasons, however on simply over seven makes an attempt per 100 possessions. You’d prefer to see it’s double that.

The factor that Thornton did greatest, scoring off the dribble, might be additionally what he’ll get to do least on the NBA stage. Nevertheless, I’ll be aware that he was unusually efficient in tight areas for a participant his measurement, taking pictures 64.2 p.c on 2s in Large Ten video games as a senior because of an array of floaters and finishes. He additionally punches above his weight on the glass.

More often than not, a man like this seems to be a “4A” participant who makes the G League All-Star recreation however has bother sticking within the league. If Thornton can up the taking pictures quantity in an off-ball function, he could be an exception.

44. Aaron Nkrumah, wing, 6-5, Tennessee State

My favourite complete out-of-nowhere man, Nkrumah is certainly one of solely 4 American faculty gamers to make my high 75 regardless of not enjoying in a Energy 5 convention, and in contrast to the others, his alma mater isn’t even a mid-major. He’s listed at 189 kilos and in some way seems about 30 kilos lighter, standing 6-5 with a powerful 6-10 1/4 wingspan.

Nkrumah’s promoting level is as a chaos agent on protection, with an exclamation-point-worthy price of 4.9 steals per 100 possessions at Tennessee State. Certain, you need to regulate for the minnows in that convention, however his ball-hawking and exercise translated to mix scrimmages.

Offensively, Krumah is somewhat wild, however he made marked progress as a shooter this previous season. Work stays — he hit 35.2 p.c from 3 and 78.6 p.c from the road — however there’s a pathway to him turning into a 3-and-D wing due to his power. At this level within the draft, you may take worse gambles.

45. Jaden Henley, wing, 6-6, Grand Canyon

Henley is a bit wild and erratic, however at this level, you need to take an opportunity on a 6-6 wing with some defensive playmaking means. If you happen to can straighten out his 3-ball, you might need one thing.

Henley was top-of-the-line gamers within the Mountain West Convention regardless of solely making 26.8 p.c of his 3s. That appears to be an outlier fluke provided that he hit 35.1 p.c the earlier season and shot 76.4 p.c from the road for his profession. He’s actually not a very good shooter, however “competent” is close by.

Throw in excessive steal charges the previous two seasons in a strong convention, strong defensive work total, plus-rebounding for his place and his means to get free factors in transition, and the outlines of a role-playing wing are there. He simply must dial again the aggression. He was The Man at Grand Canyon, however to any extent further, he’s the fifth choice.

46. Richie Saunders, guard, 6-5, BYU

Saunders confirmed numerous constructive flashes earlier than tearing his ACL midseason, and he had loads of scout eyes on him as a teammate of AJ Dybantsa. I’d have him a number of spots larger if it weren’t for the damage. For what it’s value, he advised me on the draft mix that he expects to be able to go by the point coaching camp begins.

Saunders is an efficient shooter, as he shot 38.7 p.c from 3 for his profession on strong quantity and hit 78.8 p.c from the road. He provides to that, nevertheless, with strong really feel contained in the arc and a very good left hand across the rim, serving to him shoot 62.1 p.c on 2s in Large 12 play as a senior. He rebounds like a a lot larger participant (three straight seasons with a double-figure rebound price in convention video games) and has a penchant for choosing steals (3.1 per 100 final season).

Nevertheless, Saunders is a restricted playmaker who is generally trying to rating as soon as he will get the rock. He’s additionally 25 years previous, which diminishes a few of the upside potential, and the knee damage doesn’t assist. Placing him on a two-way deal for a 12 months and seeing the place he stands subsequent summer season would usually be the very best play, however by then, he’ll be 26.

47. Ugonna Onyenso, huge, 6-11, Virginia

Onyenso made a reputation for himself amongst scouts by blocking Cameron Boozer a number of occasions throughout the ACC championship recreation. His 17.4 p.c block price as a senior just isn’t a typo, and that stage of rim safety goes to demand consideration.

Now, Ugonna get any rebounds? His skinny body is well pushed round within the paint, and numerous his blocks are last-ditch saves of in any other case sure baskets after an opponent has mashed him contained in the cost circle. An identical phenomenon occurs on the glass.

Offensively, Onyenso can rim run and elevate however doesn’t have nice really feel on the transfer, and his help price is pushing Yinka Dare territory. He began taking pictures 3s final season however solely made 27 p.c; actually, he’ll get as many free seems as he desires from on the market.

However if you wish to “construct a f***ing wall” across the rim on a last-second play, Onyenso is your man.

48. Maliq Brown, huge, 6-8, Duke

Brown is a non-threatening offensive participant whose protection is so good that he would possibly get on the ground anyway. Even on a two-way deal, he’d have a task as an end-of-quarter defensive specialist.

His steal price is off the charts (5.3 per 100 possessions in 2025-26, 4.8 in 2024-25), and he rebounds like an enormous, serving to offset the truth that he’s a whole zero on offense. About the one disadvantage for Brown on the defensive finish is his prodigious foul price (8.0 per 100). Possibly don’t play this man when the opposite group is within the bonus.

Offensively, the most important short-term subject for Brown is turning into ok from the road that groups don’t foul him instantly. He’s hit 37.5 p.c and 50 p.c from the stripe the previous two seasons. In any other case, his offensive “recreation” is the occasional dunk when opponents neglect to protect him, though he at the least passes properly and chips in his justifiable share of assists.

49. Jaden Bradley, guard, 6-3, Arizona

Bradley is an efficient pull-up shooter from midrange who both has but to find that 3s are value an additional level or can’t convert pictures from that distance. He has good taking pictures type and shot over 80 p.c from the road final season, however in some way, a way, solely tried 66 3s all season as a beginning guard for an elite group within the 12 months of Our Lord 2026.

Bradley checks the solid-but-unspectacular field in most different facets of his recreation. He can defend the place and is an honest menace in transition, and he can run an offense (and earned raves for his management). Due to that, he may emerge as a rotation-level participant if he added quantity 3-point taking pictures to his arsenal. It doesn’t appear to be a ridiculous ask, however by 4 years of faculty, it hasn’t occurred.

50. Keyshawn Corridor, ahead, 6-6, Auburn

Corridor isn’t for everybody, as one thing of a tunnel-vision scorer who hasn’t precisely shone on protection, and he doubtless must shift his enjoying fashion to suit as a secondary choice on the subsequent stage. Nevertheless, he’s additionally an enormous wing who could make a shot (37.1 p.c profession from 3, 83.3 p.c from the road), he has sufficient deal with and scoring intuition to attract fouls at a powerful price as a collegian and he rebounds at a excessive price for a participant of his measurement.

Provided that we’re within the barrel-scraping portion of the draft and massive wings with ability are the toughest commodity to seek out, it appears like a cube roll on Corridor doesn’t appear that outrageous.

51. Tyler Bilodeau, ahead, 6-7, UCLA

Bilodeau shot 46.4 p.c from 3 and 87.3 p.c from the road final 12 months, making him an apparent stretch 4 candidate. You would possibly name him a broader-shouldered Steve Novak. Like Novak, Bilodeau doubtless will likely be extraordinarily weak on the defensive finish, with low occasion creation charges, unimpressive tape and apparent changes coming if he has to defend NBA small forwards slightly than Large Ten energy forwards.

He isn’t going to supply a lot in the best way of playmaking or ball motion both. Principally, Bilodeau is trying to rating. Nevertheless, he does have a robust body and can contribute on the glass, plus he has a strong contact contained in the arc and made 54.6 p.c of his 2s in Large Ten play the previous two seasons.

52. Corey Camper Jr., guard, 6-4, Nevada

Time for a reputation out of left subject. Camper wasn’t invited to the mix and even the G League Elite Camp after failing to face out on the Portsmouth Invitational, however I’m going to carry my floor with the lukewarm take that Camper has an opportunity to be … one thing.

Notably, Camper had a very sturdy senior season at Nevada, making 39.9 p.c from 3 and 80.0 p.c from the road. I carry up these two numbers specifically as a result of the difficulty with Camper till final 12 months was that he couldn’t shoot.

He’d at all times posted spectacular steal charges (with out fouling), however in some way, as a fifth-year senior transferring to a a lot better league (Convention USA to Mountain West), he managed to enhance dramatically as a distributor, rebounder and shooter. He ended up making first-team All-Mountain West, and his apparent define as a 3-and-D candidate for the following stage makes me marvel what I’m lacking right here.

53. Nick Boyd, guard, 6-1, Wisconsin

A wiry guard who, like Saunders above, is already 25 years previous, Boyd’s stat profile doesn’t soar off the web page. Nevertheless, he has a loosey-goosey quickness to him that permits him to create performs and can doubtless be extra advantageous on the subsequent stage, particularly towards switches. And whereas Boyd’s resume isn’t suffering from pluses, neither does it include obvious negatives. Throughout each metric, his faculty resume is principally red-flag free.

Defensively, his skinny body and lack of measurement will likely be an issue, though he has good lateral quickness and competes. Of equal concern could be whether or not he can reside as an off-ball offensive participant if he isn’t dynamic sufficient to play on it. Whereas he is a serviceable shooter, he’s not threatening sufficient to eat solely on catch-and-shoots.

54. Tamin Lipsey, guard, 6-2, Iowa State

Lipsey is a box-score filler who will stand out in some analytical fashions as a consequence of his lofty steal price (main the Large 12 in three of his 4 seasons) and the truth that he had greater than three assists for each turnover final season. He additionally rebounds unusually properly for a small guard, and for a supposed non-scorer, he scored greater than you’d assume final season (25.0 factors per 100 possessions).

Lipsey is small however has a robust body and fast arms. That steal price was legit — he’s an absolute pest who additionally hardly ever fouls. That stated, his incapacity to attain effectively may very well be a killer. Whereas he shot lots final season, it wasn’t notably environment friendly; he’s a profession 33.5 p.c 3-point shooter and 71.0 p.c from the road. Opponents will go underneath each display towards him until that improves. Contained in the arc, he shot 54.1 p.c final season, however that was boosted by transition. In half-court settings, he has a more durable time attending to worth pictures.

At worst, Lipsey will likely be a dependable level guard on the G League stage, however creating sufficient as an offensive participant to crack a professional rotation may very well be robust.

55. Seth Trimble, guard, 6-2, North Carolina

I’m most likely fully irrational on this, however I stay within the concept of Trimble as an NBA participant. He defends very well, can deal with the ball and solely must shoot extra persistently to be a role-playing defensive ace within the backcourt.

Certain, he’s 6-2 at full extension and a profession 29.4 p.c 3-point shooter, however I’m amazed how a lot he was in a position to rating with out a actual exterior shot. He’s additionally a strong distributor and drew fouls at a powerful price and by no means pressured himself on the sport.

56. Quadir Copeland, guard, 6-5, NC State

Copeland is well neglected as a result of he wasn’t on an elite group and wasn’t a big-time scorer, however he’s a “make issues occur” man with super measurement for the purpose guard spot (6-5 1/4 in socks with a 6-10 3/4 wingspan) and the flexibility to interrupt down defenses. He can deal with the ball and get downhill; it’s simply the outcomes he generates from these preliminary benefits which have been the issue.

If he can enhance his taking pictures, improve his selections and maybe add a bit extra muscle, there’s a place for him within the league. Notably, Copeland made 39.7 p.c from 3 final season, albeit on very low quantity, after being a whole non-threat from the arc in his first three faculty seasons. He additionally improved sharply on the line, to 77.5 p.c, supporting the concept no matter he did along with his shot was actual.

Defensively, Copeland is a riverboat gambler with an enormous steal price (3.6 per 100) that was offset by a phenomenally excessive foul price for a guard. There’s lots to tighten up right here, and more often than not, this film ends with him because the fourth-best participant on his G League group earlier than touchdown in Hungary. However the mixture of measurement and deal with is at the least mildly fascinating.

Tier 11

57. Noam Yaacov, guard, 6-1, Oostende

I believe stashes will likely be actually standard within the latter half of the second round because the out there expertise shrivels. On expertise, I don’t assume any of those 4 belongs within the high 60, however on draft evening, their means to be tucked away on the asset sheet could also be extra precious to some groups than taking a flier on restricted NCAA choices.

Yaacov was an enormous fish in a small pond this previous season, placing up huge numbers within the Belgian league, which isn’t precisely Europe’s strongest. He additionally made an impression in six video games within the Basketball Champions League, a barely larger grade of competitors.

Extra notably, he took the ground within the mix video games and was neither compellingly spectacular nor overtly terrible. He’s a smaller guard who likes to get downhill and rating, however that was extra problematic for him towards the NBA measurement on the mix ground than it was towards his frite-filled opposition in Belgium.

Yaacov is just 21, so he nonetheless has time to develop and enhance. He’s additionally the uncommon state of affairs the place a participant generally is a “home stash” as a result of he each dedicated to Utah and is auto-eligible for the draft (welcome to the NIL period). In contrast to most abroad stashes, he’ll be a straightforward man for his group to maintain tabs on.

58. Malique Lewis, ahead, 6-8, SE Melbourne

A high-energy agent of chaos on the defensive finish, Lewis creates defensive occasions within the mildew of Tari Eason, albeit at a a lot decrease stage within the Australian league. He doesn’t have nice offensive really feel or deal with, however he’s serviceable as a shooter, making 37.5 p.c from 3 and 82.6 p.c from the road final season and exhibiting related numbers in his G League stint in 2023-24.

Lewis has a Spanish passport and is younger sufficient (turning 22 in November) that he may nonetheless get higher from right here, making him mildly intriguing as soon as we get to the blind-dart-throwing portion of the draft.

59. Reynan dos Santos, guard, 6-3, Mexico Metropolis Capitanes

A bully-ball guard who has good measurement for the purpose if he ever improves his passing sufficient to play there full time, dos Santos was a serviceable G League participant for Mexico Metropolis final season throughout a 500-minute pattern and is now auto-eligible for the draft at 22. He confirmed some progress as a shooter (37.7 p.c from 3, 78.6 p.c from the road), however the Brazilian is one other man who would most likely must develop abroad, though the chance exists that he may serve one other 12 months within the G League with out formally signing.

60. Tobias Jensen, guard, 6-6, Ratiopharm Ulm

An auto-eligible 6-6 Danish wing for a group that has specialised in creating youthful expertise (such because the Bulls’ Noa Essengue and Brooklyn’s Ben Saraf), Jensen shot the lights out in 2024-25, however his numbers tailed off a bit final season. Realistically, he’s a great distance away and would possibly by no means get there. He shot 39.6 p.c on 2s in Germany final 12 months (yikes!) and is already 22.

Nevertheless, he’s a wing with some measurement who can shoot, his athleticism isn’t disqualifying and his passport ensures he gained’t come over earlier than he’s prepared. Finally, as with all abroad gamers, his rights will belong to the Knicks.

Tier 12

61. Lajae Jones, wing, 6-7, Florida State

A wing with good measurement (6-6 3/4 in socks) and a strong body, Jones is an efficient athlete who threw down some vicious dunks. His athletic indicators soar out when you get so far within the draft: a 12.9 p.c rebound price and a 4.1 p.c block price in ACC video games. What number of different small forwards provide secondary rim safety like that?

Offensively, Jones is a little bit of a head-down scorer, however his taking pictures is beginning to get fascinating. He upped his quantity to 9.7 3-point makes an attempt per 100 possessions final season, though he solely made 32.5 p.c, and he’s a profession 77.1 p.c foul shooter. Upticking only a bit right here would go a great distance towards making him a 3-and-D candidate and in addition open holes for him to drive.

62. Duke Miles, guard, 6-1, Vanderbilt

Arguably the very best athlete named after an ACC college since former Bengals kick returner Stanford Jennings, Miles is 24 years previous after a six-year faculty profession, however he should still have some latent taking pictures means to discover. He arrived at Troy as a freshman in 1983 2020 and shot 9 for 49 from 3. By the point he left Vanderbilt, he was a 90.1 p.c foul shooter and, for the primary time in his profession, took 3s at actual quantity for a guard.

That’s the case for; the case towards is that he’s 6-1 and probably not a degree guard, though he once more improved fairly a bit right here. Miles had greater than two assists for each turnover in his third senior season (what do you even name a sixth 12 months?).

The opposite fascinating factor is that he’s had phenomenally excessive steal charges in all places he’s been, together with snagging 4.7 per 100 possessions in SEC video games at Vandy in 2025-26. General, there’s simply sufficient right here to get me .

63. Lamar Wilkerson, guard, 6-4, Indiana

A score-first guard who lets it rip from the perimeter, Wilkerson jumped from Convention USA to the Large Ten with no points final season. He shot 3s early and sometimes (15.4 per 100 possessions) and hit 88.8 p.c from the road, sturdy indicators that his stroke will play on the subsequent stage.

The query is the remainder of his recreation: There’s simply not lots there. Defensively, he’s a legal responsibility, and he’s probably not a distributor both. His pathway to the league is as a Troy Daniels-type launch engineer.

64. Nate Bittle, huge, 6-11, Oregon

Bittle is a stretch 5 when you squint, a 6-11 huge who can kind of shoot with plus dimensions (7-6 wingspan, 9-5 standing attain), a mid-life disaster balding mullet and strong rim-protection numbers. Refine the ability stage a bit, and perhaps you’ve got one thing. He took numerous 3s for a middle however solely made 32.8 p.c for his profession and 73.6 p.c from the road.

Bittle additionally blocked pictures (7.0 p.c block price as a senior), however the remainder of the resume underwhelms. An enormous taking pictures 54.8 p.c on 2s is not nice, and the work on the boards was decidedly subpar for a draftable middle. He’ll be a drop-coverage huge as a result of he isn’t that fleet of foot and in addition is notably sluggish altering ends. He’s additionally battled a number of accidents the previous three seasons and wishes to remain within the lineup. Nonetheless, he has an opportunity as a 3rd middle.

65. Izaiyah Nelson, huge, 6-8, South Florida

Nelson was arguably the very best participant within the American Convention, however size-wise, he’s an influence ahead/middle hybrid whose recreation might battle to translate to the following stage. Measuring simply 6-8 1/4 in socks and 219 kilos on the mix, he operates at an obstacle at middle, even with lengthy arms (a 9-foot standing attain), and doesn’t have the type of athletic pop to make up for it.

What he does provide is a nostril for the ball at each ends. On protection, he had a unbelievable steal price for an enormous (3.3 per 100) and presents switchability towards smaller gamers. On the offensive finish, he feasts on crashing the glass for second pictures. The remainder of his offensive recreation, nevertheless, is fairly restricted. If he can develop a workable 3-point shot after hardly needing that in his toolbag as a collegian, that might assist.

66. Rafael Castro, huge, 6-9, George Washington

Just like Nelson above, Castro was a dominant huge man within the Atlantic 10, however replicating that success as a 6-9 (in socks) huge man on the subsequent stage might require a special method. He relied on being a run-and-dunk huge to thrive at GW, however even on the mix video games, one may see how that benefit rapidly dissipated towards different professionals. Creating extra perimeter ability would assist, however he made one 3 in 4 years of faculty and shot 62.7 p.c from the road.

The excellent news is that his rebounding will translate, his rim safety is under common however not inconsequential and he had the mitts to swipe tons of steals (3.7 per 100) for a person his measurement. He’ll play with power and is a high-percentage finisher across the basket. That may very well be sufficient to land a gig as a 3rd middle.

67. Tobi Lawal, huge, 6-7, Virginia Tech

Lawal posted a 40-inch standing vertical on the mix; certainly, some group will draft him primarily based on that alone. Nevertheless, his ability stage and really feel lag means behind his athletic indicators. His greatest function proper now could be as an power energy ahead who can influence the sport in transition with second models.

Lawal can’t play middle at his measurement, even with these hops, and he doesn’t actually influence video games as a shot blocker anyway. His leaping means is an actual issue on the glass, the place he posted center-like rebound charges (17.7 p.c in ACC video games final season) at 6-7, and on offense, the place he will get crowd-pleasing dunks and in addition drew numerous fouls across the basket.

The texture, nevertheless, is basically tough. Lawal averaged three turnovers for each help, a obviously terrible exhibiting for a non-center, and his pathetic steal price (simply 0.6 per 100 possessions) is one other purple flag, though it was higher than his first two seasons. He’s not a shooter both, though perhaps there’s hope on that entrance. Lawal did begin to dip his toe within the 3-point waters the previous two seasons, however he made solely 25.0 p.c in 2025-26 and shot 67.0 p.c from the road for his profession.

68. Mark Mitchell, ahead, 6-8, Missouri

As a freshman at Duke in 2022-23, Mitchell had numerous followers within the scouting neighborhood as a result of he mixed measurement and mobility at 6-7 3/4 in socks with a 7-2 wingspan. Might he be the elusive huge wing within the OG Anunoby mildew that each group lusts for?

Alas, it’s three years later, and Mitchell is principally the identical man: a non-threat from the perimeter who doesn’t have the very best coordination with the ball and isn’t notably instinctive off it.

Mitchell did enhance his help price to a wholesome 6.8 per 100 as a senior and drew heaps of fouls on his flailing forays to the cup. Nevertheless, for a participant along with his instruments to solely have a 9.1 p.c rebound price is alarming, and his defensive occasion creation charges have been actually low. He’s a much less alluring model of Lajae Jones above.

69. Milos Uzan, guard, 6-3, Houston

Scouts can’t fairly stop Uzan, even after a particularly underwhelming senior 12 months (13.3 PER, 49.3 true taking pictures share — blecch!), as a result of he simply seems the half on the ball. Uzan has a very good deal with for his measurement and might run pick-and-roll and make the correct learn, and till final season, he may shoot, too. Even in a down 12 months, he averaged three dimes for each turnover, and he’s a ok shooter to make 42.8 p.c from 3 his junior 12 months in 2024-25.

All that makes it appear potential that Uzan can stick as a fifth guard toggling between each guard spots. However he simply doesn’t have numerous athletic juice, and it actually hurts him attempting to attain contained in the arc (simply 42.5 p.c on 2s final season). He most likely has to shoot 40 p.c from 3 to make it.

70. Xaivian Lee, guard, 6-3, Florida

Lee would have numerous followers if he shot higher, however a 29.2 p.c 3-point mark at Florida doubtless soured scouts on him. Nevertheless, Lee took 3s at a comparatively excessive quantity (11.3 per 100) and shot free throws adequately (78.9 p.c profession), each of which point out that he’s doubtless a greater shooter than his uncooked share from a 12 months in the past.

In that case, Lee presents some fascinating playmaking functionality as a nifty passer who can get into performs with some zip and ship balls on the transfer. He has a nostril for the ball and first rate measurement (6-2 3/4 in socks), however he has a skinny body and sure wants so as to add energy on the subsequent stage. There’s a 3rd level guard in right here if he could make sufficient pictures to cease defenses from going underneath towards him.

71. Felix Okpara, huge, 6-10, Tennessee

A rim-to-rim power middle straight from central casting, Okpara’s limitations are fairly obvious: He’s a poor rebounder for his measurement, dedicated greater than two turnovers for each help and struggles to complete non-dunks. He gained’t rating on a post-up and, whereas he has some taking pictures contact, any stretch recreation may be very a lot theoretical at this level.

What he can do is rim run on offense and swap towards guards on protection, whereas additionally providing strong back-line rim safety (8.3 p.c profession block price in convention video games). The concept of a “venture” four-year senior isn’t that alluring, however that’s type of what Okpara is. A group with a very good growth program would possibly add him on a two-way deal and see if he can turn into an actual backup middle two or three years down the road.

72. Joshua Dix, guard, 6-4, Creighton

One other man I’m barely larger on than consensus as a result of I believe his poor taking pictures 12 months was an outlier. Dix shot over 40 p.c from 3 for 3 straight seasons within the Large Ten earlier than slumping to 33.8 p.c as a senior and is a profession 82.4 p.c foul shooter. It’s more likely that it was random noise than that he simply forgot methods to shoot.

Dix is pretty restricted in different respects however dealt with the ball properly sufficient to get on-ball reps for Creighton, and his shot-making ability contained in the paint helped him shoot 57.6 p.c on 2s for his faculty profession — a robust indicator for a guard prospect.

73. Nick Martinelli, wing, 6-7, Northwestern

Martinelli acquired on the draft radar with an enormous taking pictures soar in his senior 12 months, hitting 41.7 p.c from 3 and 80.9 p.c from the road after being under common from each spots in his first three seasons in Evanston. Principally, nevertheless, he was nonetheless a 2-point shot-maker who didn’t present numerous playmaking or a lot protection.

As such, I’m not completely positive what his function is on the subsequent stage, as a result of all his on-ball stuff goes to evaporate. His greatest shot is driving that taking pictures soar and turning into a real floor-spacer on the small ahead place. Even then, he’ll doubtless battle to maintain up with wings on protection.

74. Trey Kaufman-Renn, huge, 6-8, Purdue

Like Martinelli above, Kaufman-Renn doubtless wants to transform his recreation to achieve the NBA. I gained’t fully dismiss the chance, as a result of he was actually, actually good as a collegian, main the Large Ten in PER as a junior. That stated, hammering his means into 15-footers on the block is not going to be how he earns a dwelling, and he’ll should work arduous to reinvent himself.

Kauffman-Renn solely shot 62.7 p.c from the road as a collegian and made two of his 13 3-point makes an attempt as a senior. It’s principally non-negotiable for him to get some type of stretch recreation. Defensively, he competes and rebounds however had extraordinarily low event-creation charges for a draft prospect. The truth that he solely blocked eight pictures all final season additionally makes it unlikely he may function as a small-ball middle.

75. Tobe Awaka, huge, 6-8, Arizona

A one-note participant, Awaka had a wacky rebound price, main the nation in offensive rebound price at 20.2 p.c and the Large 12 in complete rebound price at 23.5 p.c. He’s an undersized middle in most respects, but when a ball is coming off the glass, he’s undoubtedly getting it.

Can he unite that with extra purposeful play in between boards? Awaka supplied some secondary rim safety however is just 6-8 in socks and fouled like loopy (7.2 per 100 in Large 12 play). Offensively, he scores on dunks and put-backs and never a lot else, though he did convert 5 of his 12 3-point makes an attempt. Most probably, he’s a two-way man who mashes within the G League however is just too undersized on the NBA stage.