2026 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0
The top 75 players in the 2026 NBA Draft class, ranked and tiered, as of Dec. 1, 2025, according to Logan Adams
Big board season is here.
We’re about a month into the college basketball season, meaning we’ve had almost 30 days to compile film and come to early-season conclusions on nearly every prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft class.
This year’s crop of talent is a remarkable group, with the chance to put more players in the NBA All-Star game than any class in recent memory — it’s that good. Throughout this second-edition big board, we’ll discuss the top-75 prospects, compiled into seven tiers with write-ups on each of the top 25, 50 total throughout this gargantuan piece.
This is the most flexible my rankings will ever be, considering the small samples. Without further ado, let’s get into the board!
1. DARRYN PETERSON, KANSAS
ANTHRO: 6’6”, 205 LBS // BORN: JAN. ‘07
For the last year, Peterson’s been the crowning jewel of the 2026 class; at least in my eyes. He’s only played in three games thus far, including his exhibition performance against Louisville, due to what’s evolved into a mysterious, nagging injury that has already docked him from a couple of high-caliber matchups against top prospects.
That said, the skill level Peterson showed in his limited time is off the charts, as are his the athletic tools. He’s debatably the best defensive guard since who-knows-when, and is, by my estimation, the best guard prospect since Derrick Rose in 2008.
READ THIS: “Darryn Peterson looks a lot like…”
2. CAMERON BOOZER, DUKE
ANTHRO: 6’9”, 250 LBS // BORN: JULY ‘07
Much has been made of Boozer’s early-season struggles at the rim against quad-one competition. Despite that, he’s firmly been the best player in college basketball, putting up over 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists on a nightly basis. While the numbers do Boozer justice, though, questions have been marked on the film, some of them more valid than others.
Despite that, Boozer’s dominance early on has been undeniable. He’s perhaps less polished as a go-to scorer than scouts envisioned, but his rebounding, passing and defense are just as good, if not better, than advertised.
READ THIS: “A quick one before Cameron Boozer devours the NCAA”
3. AJ DYBANTSA, BYU
ANTHRO: 6’9”, 210 LBS // BORN: JAN. ‘07
Easily the most tantalizing and controversial of the three-headed dragon at the top of this class, AJ Dybantsa’s talent has shown through some of the blocks and holes facing his game in what will be its rawest iteration. Dybantsa’s shot-making has been clear, pouring in buckets despite inconsistent vision and a sloppy-at-times handle. Defensively, his talent and length have been marred by motor concerns, though it’s hard not to see what Dybantsa could be because of what he already is.
There may not be a wing prospect in the last decade with more NBA-ready tools than Dybantsa. He’s an elite athlete by all definitions, with a knack and creativity to get to and make incredible shots nightly. He’s an incredible, yet imperfect player, who I’ll be avidly watching all season long.
READ THIS: “AJ Dybantsa is suffering from No. 1 fatigue”
4. CALEB WILSON, UNC
ANTHRO: 6’9”, 205 LBS // BORN: JUL. ‘06
Perhaps the quickest riser in the class, Wilson doubles as 2026’s best defender and most prolific high-flyer. Wilson’s been incredibly productive in his start to his NCAA career, averaging 20.6 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, along with elite steal and block rates.
He’s not perfect; his touch around the rim is lacking through contact and his shooting and handling woes are well documented, but Wilson’s ability to dominate off the ball, finish above the rim at will and cover the entire floor on defense is enough to firmly fit him in the fourth spot in the class at this point.
READ THIS: “Caleb Wilson’s path to maximization through minimization”
5. BENNETT STIRTZ, IOWA
ANTHRO: 6’4”, 180 LBS // BORN: OCT. ‘03
There’s no more complete, true point guard in the 2026 NBA Draft class than Bennett Stirtz, who, despite his athletic limitations and age concerns, is just as likely to average a double-double with assists as any prospect in the last few years.
The most notable number with Stirtz is the minutes he plays — the last 24 games of the 24-25 season, Stirtz averaged over 40 minutes per game, sitting for just 15 total. It’s well-deserved, though. He commanded every single possession for Drake and has done the same for Iowa, shooting remarkably well early on.
6. MIKEL BROWN JR., LOUISVILLE
ANTHRO: 6’5”, 180 LBS // BORN: APR. ‘06
It’s hard to look at what Brown does on the court and not see a future All-Star point guard, even with some of the clear late-bloomer shortcomings he’s routinely exhibited. He’s a dynamic athlete around the rim — a newfound ability with his growth spurt — and a masterful shooter and passer with a live dribble.
His shortcomings come with his newfound size. Despite now standing 6 feet, 5 inches, Brown still approaches the rim like the 5-foot-10 freshman he once was, unless he has a clear lane to punch it above the rim. Defensively, the same concerns lie, but the offensive upside on top of new size and pop off the floor makes him an equal parts exciting and productive talent.
7. JAYDEN QUAINTANCE, KENTUCKY
ANTHRO: 6’9”, 215 LBS // BORN: JULY ‘07
The player most likely to challenge Wilson’s title for best defender in the 2026 class is Quaintance, who has the potential to be the best defender in the country with a full bounce back. Quaintance patrols the court like an impenetrable dome, with whirling limbs and lightning-like hands and feet.
His offensive upside is limited, with low-level touch limiting his capacity as a scorer in the long run. However, he’s a capable—bordering on advanced—passer at the top of the key, and with the tools he has as a lob threat, whether on the roll or from the dunker spot, there’s a multi-tool offensive player somewhere in there with game-changing defensive capabilities.
READ THIS: “Jayden Quaintance is more machine than man”
8. ADAY MARA, MICHIGAN
ANTHRO: 7’3”, 240 LBS // BORN: APR. ‘05
There isn’t a single frame in college basketball more imposing than Mara around the rim. At 7 feet, 3 inches with a 7-foot-7 wingspan, he’s a shot-magnet who will send any underbaked attempt in his vicinity into the third row. On top of what he adds on defense, playing mostly out of a deep drop, Mara adds a lot to an offense with his passing, offensive rebounding and play-finishing.
The breakout is still new for Mara, who spent two seasons rotting on Mick Cronin’s bench at UCLA, but Michigan has looked to him early to provide real value, and Mara’s been up for the challenge.
READ THIS: “Aday Mara is back on the totem pole”
9. KINGSTON FLEMINGS, HOUSTON
ANTHRO: 6’4”, 190 LBS // BORN: JAN. ‘07
In a point guard class wrought with five stars and proven creators, Flemings, a former four-star recruit who was projected to come off the bench, has quickly given himself just as good a chance to be picked first at his position as anyone.
Flemings’ burst is the biggest sell in his game, and what has made him such an effective creator so early in his career. He’s been the best player for a national champion runner-up, despite still being quite small for a guard. Scouts would love to see the 3-point attempts come up, as well as his steals and blocks, but Flemings has been fantastic.
10. KOA PEAT, ARIZONA
ANTHRO: 6’8”, 235 LBS // BORN: JAN. ‘07
There may not be a more confusing evaluation from a modern basketball standpoint than Peat. In a game dominated by spacing and 7-foot bigs bringing the ball up the court, capable of splashing threes, Peat is an undersized tweener who lives in the mid-range, and yet he’s immensely effective.
Peat’s touch is buttery soft from 15 feet and in, with broad shoulders and a strong lower body that allows him to carve out space against some of the county’s best and biggest defenders. He doesn’t shoot 3-pointers, and positional questions defensively remain to be answered, but Peat’s productivity and awareness of strength is positively undeniable.
11. NEOKLIS AVDALAS, VIRGINIA TECH
ANTHRO: 6’9”, 215 LBS // BORN: FEB. ‘06
Avdalas is one of the more unique prospects in the 2026 class. Sharing a lot of on-paper similarities to 2025’s eighth-overall pick, Egor Demin, he’s a big-wing-sized player who operates the pick-and-roll, takes the ball up the court, and deals dimes like a banker.
Where Avdalas separates himself from Demin, however, is in functionality. He’s a flexible athlete who can bend at the hips and drop a shoulder on the drive, making him a more dynamic and viable handler. Avdalas’ shot-making is still a slight concern, and his off-ball skills need to be developed, but he’s a smooth operator, to say the least.
12. NATE AMENT, TENNESSEE
ANTHRO: 6’9”, 190 LBS // BORN: DEC. ‘06
Ament easily has one of the highest ceilings in the 2026 class, though it’s hard to take note of him without also noting the other edge of that particular sword: his physical limitations. Ament, despite having added 20 pounds already with Rick Barnes and Tennessee already, is still remarkably skinny, and it’s become his Achilles heel as a creator.
Ament can handle, shoot, pass and provide solid interior defense, but, without significant physical development, Ament will continue to be limited in all regards. That said, his track record as a late bloomer and recent weight gain are massively encouraging for Ament’s trajectory.
13. LABARON PHILON, ALABAMA
ANTHRO: 6’4”, 185 LBS // BORN: NOV. ‘05
Last season, seeing Philon ranked in the lottery was a double-taker for me. He was a solid stopper who moved the ball around, and at 6 feet, 4 inches, was decent-sized for someone who would inevitably play the point guard, but with his lack of shooting, physical strength and shortcomings as a self-creator, there wasn’t enough there for me to see him inside the top 20.
That’s all changed this year. Taking Mark Sears’ reins, Philon’s shown the player many thought him to be last year. He’s doubled his points per game average while jumping nearly 10 percent in efficiency and usage. He’s hunting his shots from all spots on the floor and continuing to be a defensive stalwart.
14. CAMERON CARR, BAYLOR
ANTHRO: 6’5”, 190 LBS // BORN: NOV. ‘04
Carr had a stranger collegiate career than most, starting at Tennessee with Rick Barnes as a redshirt freshman, getting few minutes in his first actual season, then transferring to Baylor midway through. He’s now starting his first official year at Baylor as explosively as he possibly could, and looking like a lottery pick in the process.
His explosive athleticism and long arms make him one of the toolsy-er wings in this class, while his on- and off-ball shooting repertoire has made him a premier bucket getter. The pathway for Carr is not too dissimilar to someone like Trey Murphy III, though Carr is a couple of inches shorter.
15. FLORY BIDUNGA, KANSAS
ANTHRO: 6’10”, 235 LBS // BORN: MAY ‘05
Bidunga was more than productive enough as a true freshman to get drafted last season, though, in a crowded front court, it makes sense why he chose to come back to Bill Self and Kansas for year two. With Darryn Peterson out, he’s been the Jayhawks’ alpha and has looked the part.
Bidunga’s one of the best athletes in the class. He blocks everything on defense, dunks everything on offense, and gobbles up boards for all three meals plus dessert and snacks. Chances are, he’ll never be much of a shooter or on-ball scorer, but short drives and decent passing chops have been there for him in the early season.
16. PATRICK NGONGBA II, DUKE
ANTHRO: 6’11”, 250 LBS // BORN: FEB. ‘06
Arguably the best passing big in the class, Ngongba has been the perfect front-court partner to potential first-overall pick Cameron Boozer. His ability to dish it in the short roll, at the elbows, in the post or from the top of the key makes him a plug-and-play piece in any offense. Factor in his nearly 80 percent clip at the rim, and you’ve got a truly dynamic roll man.
Ngongba isn’t exactly known for his defense, but he has fluid hips and quick feet in drop coverage. He won’t be a guy who hedges or switches too often in the pick-and-roll at the next level, but he’s good for over a block per game with the energy and hustle to knock passes into the air and control possessions on the glass.
17. TOUNDE YESSOUFOU, BAYLOR
ANTHRO: 6’5”, 210 LBS // BORN: MAY ‘06
The number of wings in college basketball with a more impressive physical profile than Yessoufou is limited, but scouts are still hoping to see much more polish from him. Right now, Yessoufou is at his best out in transition, finishing above the rim, and creating those opportunities in his opponent’s passing lanes. However, in the half-court, there’s little of substance.
Yessoufou has gone just 8-of-25 on catch-and-shoot threes and only 6-of-13 on half-court layups. His weak handle has resulted in only one dunk thus far, limiting easy looks around the rim and leading to a 0.75 assist-to-turnover ratio. Yessoufou hasn’t achieved expectations yet for Baylor, but his toolkit is unlike many others in the class. Scouts are willing to bet on that.
READ THIS: “Signal Calling: Tounde Yessoufou is flawed, but making his case nonetheless”
18. MALACHI MORENO, KENTUCKY
ANTHRO: 6’11”, 230 LBS // BORN: OCT. ‘06
Moreno has a unique set of skills for a nearly 7-foot 19-year-old. It starts with his athletic tools — Moreno’s a high flyer on both ends who has made his presence felt at the rim early, blocking over a shot per game in just over 20 minutes and recording 18 dunks in seven games.
The unique part of Moreno’s game that sets him apart from many other 7-footers, however, is his passing. He’s not just making high-caliber deliveries on system reads, but hunting the open man and dishing it with utmost creativity.
19. YAXEL LENDEBORG, MICHIGAN
ANTHRO: 6’9”, 230 LBS // BORN: SEP. ‘02
After a lackluster few games to start his Ann Arbor tenure, Lendeborg has started to look like the potential Wooden Award winner we thought he could be coming into the season, leading Michigan to a best-in-nation start. Lendeborg is one of the most versatile forwards in the country, and despite being much older, can do just about everything on the court.
His calling card is his ability to create and finish possessions on the defensive end and on the glass. He’s averaging 2.7 stocks per game while putting up career numbers from 3-point range — 40.6% on 4.6 attempts per game, both career highs — and providing the same level of creation we saw at UAB.
20. CHRISTIAN ANDERSON, TEXAS TECH
ANTHRO: 6’2”, 180 LBS // BORN: APR. ‘06
I jumped the gun on Anderson just a bit after an incredible showing to start the season, adding to a stellar summer performance with Germany’s national team. However, against better opponents, Anderson’s struggled mightily, failing to draw a single free throw in three games against top-100 opponents while holding a -0.4 box plus-minus and a 45.2% true shooting.
Anderson’s playmaking and shooting is still elite, all things considered. His comfort level passing and shooting off a live dribble is among the best in the 2026 class, though his size and lack of athleticism have held him back from knocking those shots down early on.
READ THIS: “Signal Calling: Christian Anderson Jr. is a top-10 pick in plain sight”
21. DAVID MIRKOVIC, ILLINOIS
ANTHRO: 6’9”, 255 LBS // BORN: JAN. ‘06
The biggest surprise in this year’s freshman class is Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic, who, as part of a massive overseas haul in Champaign, Illinois, has been dominant throughout the start of the season. Mirkovic is a walking double-double with great hands and a versatile offensive repertoire, shooting it from deep, driving to the cup, and finding teammates to extend advantages.
He’s been everywhere on the court for Illinois, and despite not carrying traditional big man height at 6 feet, 9 inches, has easily made up for it with positioning, IQ and skill.
22. MOREZ JOHNSON JR., MICHIGAN
ANTHRO: 6’9”, 235 LBS // BORN: JAN. ‘06
There aren’t many players in the world with a better motor than Johnson, who keeps possessions alive with the best of them. On top of being an incredible athlete, Johnson has long arms and is incredibly strong, moving players around the paint like chess pieces to go up and grab boards and finish plays.
His tools have made him an ideal second-chance finisher and lob threat for the Wolverines, adding to his gravity around the rim with solid big-to-big passing. He’s also a great defender who makes his presence felt at the rim. He’s not the biggest for a non-shooting big, but his energy is chart-topping.
23. KARIM LOPEZ, NEW ZEALAND
ANTHRO: 6’8”, 225 LBS // BORN: APR. ‘07
Lopez has been undeniably productive in his age-18 season with the NBL. However, it’s been marred by aesthetic and consistency issues that don’t tend to fit with the NBA. On the positive end, Lopez has had the best shooting season of his career, going over 40 percent from beyond the arc.
However, lack of flexibility as a creator and inability as an East-West mover limit his on-ball potential as well as his potential as an on-ball stopper, though Lopez’s passing and rotational defense have looked the part of an NBA player.
24. ADAM ATAMNA, ASVEL
ANTHRO: 6’5”, 205 LBS // BORN: DEC. ‘07
Atamna has made great strides both in terms of skill and size in the last two calendar years. For one, he’s shot up to 6 feet, 5 inches, much better suiting his bucket-getting, combo guard game. Additionally, he’s gotten much better at all the things that make a good combo guard.
He’s not the playmaker he’d need to be to act as a show-running point guard, but his shot-making on and off the ball is among the best in the class. He’s also got sticky hands on defense, an ankle-shaking handle and an unshakable toughness that makes him a winner.
25. HANNES STEINBACH, WASHINGTON
ANTHRO: 6’11”, 220 LBS // BORN: MAY ‘06
Steinbach is the king of the class at one skill: rebounding. His 12.4 rebounds per game are the one aspect of his game where he dominates, and the rest have followed behind. He’s a solid finisher, benefiting from the bevy of second chances he grants himself, and a solid passer.
However, aside from his rebounding and the skills that extend from it, Steinbach’s still pretty limited. He’s in a bit of a limbo that NBA teams don’t love — a center-sized player that’s not a great enough athlete to finish above the rim and block shots and not a knockdown shooter from deep. However, possessions win games in the NBA, and the most reliable way to secure those is on the glass.
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