The early perception of 2026 is that it is a very strong class, not just at the very top where names like Dybantsa, Peterson and Boozer are already well known to NBA decision-makers, but also with the total depth of the class, after several fringe first-rounders returned to the college ranks in this cycle because of the allure of NIL.

NBA draft has come and gone, with multiple surprises taking place. But the one thing that wasn't a surprise was former Duke star Cooper Flagg being taken No. 1 overall. Flagg has been the projected first pick for a long time,

BYU signee AJ Dybantsa and Kansas recruit Darryn Peterson are the headliners when it comes to looking at potential NBA lottery candidates for the 2026 draft.