2026 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings: Top 20 Players Right Now
2026 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings: Top 20 Players Right Now0 of 20
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There’s been a lot of hype over a 2025 draft class expected to feature Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. Anticipation around the top of the 2026 board should be equally as strong, as we’ve started to see another exciting big three form among high school seniors.
Summer breakouts have also led to more interesting names to monitor.
Despite these prospects being in the 16-18 age range, the NBA has made it easier for teams to get early evaluation opportunities in AAU and camps.
These rankings reflect long-term potential under the NBA scouting lens, not necessarily current high school impact/production.
20. Dash Daniels, NBA Academy1 of 20
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Committed to: Uncommited
Archetype: Combo guard
Size: 6’5″
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels continues to put together an All-Defensive Team caliber season. Meanwhile, his brother Dash just racked up an outrageous 34 steals in 13 games (23.3 minutes per) between the U18 Asia Championships and U17 World Cup.
Dash is a similar prospect at the same stage with standout defensive instincts, plus versatility and size that make it silly to bother labeling him with a position.
Turning 17 next month, Daniels will just become eligible and will be one of the youngest prospects for the 2026 draft. He could grow more in the next few years to look closer physically to Dyson, and he’s expected to look at the NBL and NCAA as options for next season.
Dash will unsurprisingly need to continue improving his shooting, and scouts will want to see more on-ball development as a pick-and-roll ball-handler and creator.
19. Braylon Mullins, Greenfield Central High School2 of 20
Committed to: Connecticut
Archetype: Perimeter scorer/shotmaker
Size: 6’4″
At some point, skill trumps physical tools. And at 6’5″, there aren’t enough physical concerns to negate Braylon Mullins’ spectacular shotmaking.
Mullins blew up on the Adidas circuit. He made 73 threes (41.7 percent) in 20 games, drilling pull-up, quick-release transition looks and catch-and-shoot shots off hard sprints to the wings and corners.
Scouts will obviously be drawn to his shooting, but Mullins also got up for 19 dunks in 3SSB play and unsurprisingly showed soft touch on his floaters. He used the dribble to get to spots. He fought hard and competed defensively as well.
Mullins will have to back up this summer’s breakout. Assuming it wasn’t fluky, he looks like the type of player who’s going to gain a lot of attention with desirable and entertaining scoring skills.
18. Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers3 of 20
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Committed to: New Zealand Breakers
Archetype: Versatility wing
Size: 6’9″
The NBL’s track record for signing and developing young prospects got stronger with Karim Lopez.
At 17 years old, he’s already producing with more minutes and efficiency in Australia than 2024 No. 2 Alex Sarr did last season at 18. He even gave a full-strength Utah Jazz team 13 points, seven boards, three assists and three stocks in a preseason exhibition.
Lopez doesn’t have a specific offensive archetype yet. The versatility pops most, with the 6’9″ forward scoring in different ways each game with a capable three-ball, slashing ability and a motor that optimizes his athleticism around the basket for picking up easy finishes off cuts, putbacks and transition opportunities.
Competitive and active on defense, Lopez has proven to be a useful role player for a Breakers team that features former NBA pros, past college stars and decorated international veterans.
He’s going to wind up playing two seasons of pro ball in the NBL before the 2026 draft, giving him plenty of time to build more skill and confidence with his on-ball creation and shotmaking.
17. Shon Abaev, Calvary Christian Academy4 of 20
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Committed to: Uncommitted
Archetype: Scoring wing
Size: 6’8″
Shon Abaev had a strong few days in Brooklyn this summer at Under Armour Elite 24, and now he’s putting up big numbers early with Overtime Elite.
There’s a lot of creativity in his footwork and shotmaking for a 6’8″ wing. Pull-up shooting, fallaways and runners fuel three-level scoring. He’s also jacked up 32 threes in his first three games for Fear of God. Abaev has clear range and confidence, which works for and against him.
And though he’s a scorer by reputation, he can use his gravity, handle and overall skill to play-make for teammates.
It feels obvious he’s going to dominate stretches in Overtime’s free-flowing pace. Scouts will be waiting to see how his style of play and high center of gravity hold up in different settings.
16. Jalen Haralson, La Lumiere 5 of 20
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Committed to: Notre Dame
Archetype: Versatile two-way wing
Size: 6’7″
Jalen Haralson gets the most of his physical tools and athleticism. His skill level will have to keep catching up, but he’s shown improvement as a shooter.
Haralson averaged 11.1 points (in just 15.0 minutes) on 10-of-26 from deep at the U17 World Cup, generating almost all of his offense off finishes and spot-up threes.
Even without the most creative handle, he still manages to get to spots with his long strides and strength. He has some touch to use on shorter shots if he can get all the way to the basket.
With a standout defensive frame and movement, shooting potential and enough flashes of in-between scoring, Haralson comes off as a clear NBA wing prospect.
15. Cayden Boozer, Christopher Columbus High School6 of 20
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Committed to: Duke
Archetype: Lead playmaker
Size: 6’4″
The primary draw to Cayden Boozer will be his playmaking IQ. He’s out there to set up teammates first and score when the defense gives something up. His head is always up in transition. He has willing vision to the wings and corners off penetration.
Boozer consistently puts up big assists numbers, and with 6’4″ size for a ball-handler and a translatable signature skill in passing, it’s easy to buy his playmaking translating to Duke and eventually the pros.
He’s not as an adept self-creator for scoring, and inconsistent shooting and athletic limitations could hold him back. But Boozer has clearly made strides with his shotmaking and range. And he has excellent touch with a floater that’s going to be an important weapon to compensate for a lack of explosion in the lane.
Boozer ultimately plays a mature game that’s bound to result in “makes teammates better” being written on pre-draft scouting reports.
14. Darius Acuff, IMG Academy7 of 20
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Committed to: Arkansas
Archetype: Lead guard
Size: 6’3″
Darius Acuff will give Arkansas a true lead guard with a textbook balance of scoring and playmaking.
He doesn’t wow with speed or explosion, but he’s very effective playing slow to fast to get to spots. Acuff uses that change of speed to crack the first line of defense and create pull-up, floater and assist opportunities.
As a scorer, he’s an equal threat to pull up from three, get to his floater or attack hard to the rim. The eye test sees enough shotmaking and finishing ability for scouts to look past any inconsistent execution this early in his development.
Over the past year, Acuff has also shown more of a willingness to make the basic passing reads, either off his own dribble/gravity or just by playing quarterback and finding flaring or flashing teammates.
To be the first point guard taken in 2026, scouts will just want to see more promising three-point shooting results and execution around the basket, where a lack of explosion has shown at IMG.
13. Brayden Burries, Eleanor Roosevelt High8 of 20
Committed to: Uncommitted
Archetype: Scoring guard
Size: 6’4″
Brayden Burries has established himself as one of the best on-ball guards in high school, possessing an advanced level of footwork and shotmaking improvisation.
He’s loaded with counters, both using his dribble and ability to hit different types of runners, flip shots or floaters in traffic. His finishing/layup package is very impressive, as he’s able to create easy angles for himself.
And he’s a shotmaker with a good-looking stroke, especially off the dribble. A dangerous isolation scorer, he’ll rock his man to sleep before generating rhythm for himself into a pull-up.
Ideally, for a 6’4″ guard, he’d offer more playmaking, and there are sure to be scouts who nitpick at the idea of an undersized scorer who isn’t a major passing threat. Still, Burries may be sharp, instinctive and dangerous enough with his self-creation and three-level shotmaking to keep scouts from worrying about fit or versatility.
12. Meleek Thomas, Overtime Elite9 of 20
Committed to: Uncommitted
Archetype: Scoring wing
Size: 6’4″
After a big showing last summer in EYBL, Meleek Thomas has quickly gotten comfortable in a new setting with Overtime Elite. He’s averaging 27.8 points on 13-of-28 from three, producing off an balanced mix of transition finishing, dribble-drive offense and perimeter shotmaking.
Always in attack mode and very vocal, Thomas plays with visible confidence and obvious passion. He does settle too easily or quickly, and he can struggle to resist the urge of trying to make a highlight-reel shot. But the ability to create them and connect is there, and it’s just a matter of Thomas learning to pick his spots better.
Otherwise, his physical tools, athleticism, one-on-one game, shooting and determination represent clear ingredients for a high-level scorer at the college and pro levels.
11. Miikka Muurinen, AZ Compass 10 of 20
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Committed to: Uncommitted
Archetype: Stretch big
Size: 6’9″
Turning 18 in March and looking at colleges, Miikka Muurinen is a good candidate to reclassify and become eligible for the 2026 draft.
He blew up over the summer at Peach Jam, leading Bradley Beal Elite to a 16U Championship with a coveted game that feels easy to project. The 6’10” forward wowed with athletic finishes, shooting range and different flashes of scoring versatility off self-creation and tough shotmaking.
He threw down a number of dunks from high above the rim that highlighted bounce and coordination. His jump shot looked picturesque in terms of prep, mechanics and fluidity. The release from a few feet behind the arc appeared relatively effortless. And he converted multiple drives in the halfcourt, attacking defenders, finding open space and getting to the rim off his long strides.
Muurinen looks more like a finesse big, as evidenced by his low rebounding numbers. He also totaled just one assist the entire tournament, so scouts will need to continue tracking his feel and decision-making.
But Muurinen made a name for himself in July, resulting in more power school offers and a jump up recruiting ranks. Draft buzz seems likely to follow over the next year. The combination of size, athleticism, shooting and creation potential screams both easy fit and upside.
10. Caleb Wilson, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School11 of 20
Committed to: Uncommitted
Archetype: Play-finishing/defender
Size: 6’9″
Physical tools, quickness and leaping are primarily behind Caleb Wilson’s production and value.
At 6’9″ with a strong frame, he mainly leaves his mark on games by delivering easy baskets (transition, off dump-downs, putbacks), defending in space, creating turnovers and making plays on the ball.
He racked up 33 dunks in 15 games for the Nightrydas this past summer. Defensively, his size, feet and strength are tremendous, particularly for guarding wings around the perimeter. He’s the type who could rank near the leaderboard of three-point attempts blocked.
Offensively, he does add something with his passing, but Wilson’s self-creation skill and shooting are behind his physical abilities, and he will be 19 years old to start next season (wherever it may be).
9. Jayden Quaintance, Arizona State12 of 20
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Committed to: Arizona State
Archetype: Two-way 4
Size: 6’9″
Jayden Quaintance should have a unique resume by the 2026 draft, when he’ll still be 18 years old with possibly with two full seasons of college basketball development. He’s already starting games at 17 for Arizona State, scoring efficiently and putting up and making a substantial defensive impact.
Quaintance won’t be old enough to declare this June after his freshman season. And there is always the possibility he looks at different options or pro pathways during his first draft-eligible year in 2025-26.
A lot of transformation can happen until June 2026. But it’s already obvious that he’ll offer the type of functional physical tools and instincts that can translate to an NBA floor.
Through six games, he’s shooting 72.2 percent around the basket and blocking a wild 15.1 percent of opponents’ shots.
Quaintance has confidence in his jump shot and ability to attack his man from inside arc. His movement is deceiving, as he appears heavy-footed but still manages to be nimble while getting to his spots. Over the next 18 months, chances are he’ll start to shoot with more consistency and cut down on the turnovers and fouls.
8. Isiah Harwell, Wasatch Academy13 of 20
Committed to: Houston
Archetype: Two-way wing
Size: 6’6″
Despite missing the 2024 summer with an ACL injury, there is enough compelling tape of Isiah Harwell to project a prospect who’ll separate at the next few levels.
The physical tools and defensive competitiveness stood out first before Harwell went down. Offensively, he glides in the open floor. And there are a number of different ways he likes to get into his shot, whether it’s with a pull-up, mid-range fallaway or using his size to back down smaller defenders from the short corners.
Improving shooting has been an obvious point of emphasis. But the eye test shows elevation and fluidity that would suggest Harwell’s percentages would be higher.
He should be one of the more closely monitored prospects this year due to the time missed and interest in his three-point development.
7. Jasper Johnson, Overtime Elite14 of 20
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Committed to: Kentucky
Archetype: Scoring combo guard
Size: 6’4″
Jasper Johnson’s game is fueled by confidence, speed and shotmaking, which should be a good fit for Overtime Elite’s freer style and pacing.
He hit 70 threes in 33 games last year at Link Academy before shooting 11-of-24 from deep over the summer for Team USA at the U18 Americas Championship.
Johnson loves to shoot threes in transition, though he does have some athletic pop around the basket on fast breaks. In the halfcourt, he’s more accurate spotting up, but he has some flashy handles to create separation and pull up from deep.
Rarely does he take a two-point jumper. Johnson instead opts for a lot of floaters, a shot he made at an outstanding 48.6 percent clip last year in high school.
At 175 pounds, it would be more comforting to see Johnson take on more of a playmaking role, given the size of NBA 2-guards. He’s taller than former Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham, but he has a similarly thin frame and scorer’s mentality.
Still, there is enough creativity with Johnson’s dribble and game for playmaking. And when he wants to pass, he clearly can make the ones point guards are supposed to. He’s going to be an offensive spark in any setting.
6. Chris Cenac Jr., Link Academy15 of 20
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Committed to: Uncommitted
Archetype: Evolving play-finisher/defensive presence
Size: 6’11”
At 6’11”, 232 pounds with a 7’4″ wingspan and nimble feet, Chris Cenac is an obvious weapon around the basket at both ends. That type of physical profile is always going to pop under the NBA’s scouting lens.
But it’s the three-point shooting confidence, slippery back-to-the-basket game and occasional flash plays of Cenac attacking closeouts that spark the imagination.
Scouts will also remain patient with his skill development, given the built-in appeal of a center who’s an easy-basket target and shot-blocker who can slide his feet away from the basket. But there is a clear skill set in place that could allow Cenac to serve as more than just a finisher offensively. He can give off Kel’el Ware-type vibes with a mix of typical big-man contributions and sporadic, enticing highlights of range, fallaway jumpers and capable face-up moves.
5. Koa Peat, Perry High School16 of 20
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Committed to: Uncommitted
Archetype: Inside-out 4
Size: 6’8″
Scouts have been able to track Koa Peat’s physical and skill development through three FIBA gold medals from 2022 to 2024.
This past summer at the U17s, he did almost all of his damage using his strong frame around the basket. But on the Adidas Circuit and for Perry High School, he’s shown more perimeter skill, particularly shooting off the dribble.
For a player who doesn’t possess any standout athletic trait, Peat still has a knack for creating and getting to his spot. He plays slowly but methodically. At around 235 pounds, he’s fluid timing his pull-up or stepback over his defender and getting into his shot with rhythm. Strength, balance and touch are evident and used most in his offensive attack.
Right now, he’s more efficient in the mid-range or post area, but he continues to make an effort to add the three-ball to his everyday repertoire.
At 6’8″ without much speed or explosion, there are sure to be skeptics or questions that arise over Peat’s upside at both ends of the floor. But he still has the right body to produce or disrupt defensive inside, and his handle and shot have made encouraging strides. He’s also seemingly productive in every setting he’s played in.
4. Nate Ament, Highland High School17 of 20
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Committed to: Uncommitted
Archetype: Big wing scorer
Size: 6’9″
Nate Ament’s 6’9″ size and perimeter guard skills create an enticing combination and archetype that always pops.
He’s been very visible lately after standing out on the Adidas circuit, having played for USA’s U18 team, the Nike Skills Academy and Under Armour’s Elite 24.
He’s thin, could struggle with physicality and needs to continue improving his decision-making and shooting consistency. But at Ament’s size, he’s flashed the type of shotmaking versatility from every level that wing defenders have trouble contesting.
3. Cameron Boozer, Christopher Columbus High School18 of 20
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Committed to: Duke
Archetype: Inside-out PF
Size: 6’9″
I’ve watched more of Cameron Boozer by 17 years old than any prospect I can remember. He seemingly participates in every possible event, dating back to USA minicamp in 2022. And almost always, he’s an efficient, high-impact player who dominates or produces with a level of fundamentals and professionalism that scream NBA pro.
His resume at this age is wild, between the Florida state championships, consecutive FIBA MVPs and Peach Jam championship. Offense runs through Boozer in every setting. He can operate from the post and create high-percentage shots with his strength and footwork. He’s got quick spin moves and both finesse or power finishes. He’ll overwhelm on the offensive glass, and he can work as a playmaking hub from the top of the arc or push the ball off defensive rebounds.
Boozer’s passing is a huge plus. His shooting isn’t yet, but he’s gained enough confidence and form to still threaten defenses when given space.
The only question with Boozer is related to his upside and whether he has the quickness and fluidity of a Paolo Banchero around the perimeter, or if he can be a difference-maker on defense.
2. AJ Dybantsa, Utah Prep19 of 20
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Committed to: Uncommitted
Archetype: Big wing scorer
Size: 6’9″
Hype has been gradually been building around AJ Dybantsa’s tantalizing combo of 6’9″ size, shotmaking, self-creation ability, passing skill and overwhelming athleticism.
He’s a scoring wing in a power forward’s body—a mismatch for defenders who struggle to contain his power/length on drives, pro hops that cover incredible ground and release point around the perimeter.
Through 11 games so far with Utah Prep, he’s making 42.1 percent of his pull-ups and 75.8 percent of his finishes, 29 of which are already dunks. He’s a walking easy basket in the open floor and an ultra-tough cover one-on-one with how easily he can separate into balanced jumpers in the mid-to-long range.
Areas for improvement would include spot-up shooting and shot selection. But everything about Dyabntsa’s physical tools, movement, killer instinct and iso game for three-level scoring that point to a No. 1 option for college and pro coaches to run offense through.
1. Darryn Peterson, Prolific Prep20 of 20
Committed to: Kansas
Archetype: Scoring guard
Size: 6’6″
Darryn Peterson has developed into the most polished and skilled, well-rounded, two-way player in high school basketball.
His evaluation and projection needs an update after the dominance and progress he demonstrated at Adidas Eurocamp, the FIBA U16s, where he averaged 16.8 points (in 17 minutes) on 66.7 percent shooting, and last week’s 33-point takeover of Columbus and the Boozer brothers.
He’s mastering self-creation with his handle and pacing. Peterson is getting what shots he wants without expending crazy energy or having to fall back into tough jumpers. He’s figured out how to easily separate using deceleration, timing and contact.
His shotmaking is controlled, balanced and consistent from the mid-range out to the arc. Rarely do we see him abuse his green light and superior talent to force shots or settle for highlight opportunities. He’s happy to just move the ball if nothing is there.
Defensively, Peterson optimizes every ounce of athleticism to capitalize on smart reads and make plays on the ball.
The only knock focuses on a lack of positional size or standout explosion compared to a bigger wing like AJ Dybantsa. Peterson’s highlight reel might not drop as many jaws, but he’s still a plus athlete, and at 6’6″ with how high his skill level is and the way he processes/approaches the game, there’s no reason to think missing an extra inch or two of height or verticality will cap his ceiling.
