NBA mock draft: Where prospects stand ahead of March Madness

With the NCAA regular season coming to an end, here's a look at where the nation's best emerging talents could land in the 2026 NBA Draft.

A note before we start: NBA comparisons are made with a prospect's ceiling in mind. We're not saying they're certain to become that player, and chances are that many of the prospects won't. But at their best, they do bear a resemblance to these players.

Darryn Peterson (Kansas) 🇺🇸

Position: PG/SG
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 195 lbs
Year: Freshman

Peterson's season hasn't gone to plan. Injuries, frequent absences, and a recurring cramping issue have raised doubts about his claim to the top spot. Yet NBA front offices shouldn't be dissuaded, as his exceptionally deep bag of tools, elite efficiency on high volume, and playmaking chops make him this draft's most skilled offensive player. There's a reason he's being compared to elite pros.

NBA comparison: Kobe Bryant

AJ Dybantsa (BYU) 🇺🇸

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 210 lbs
Year: Freshman

Dybantsa appears poised to join Jason Conley (2001-02) and Trae Young (2017-18) as only the third freshman in men's D-I history to lead the nation in scoring. With just one game left and a 0.8-point gap on second place, his chances look good. Dybantsa's combination of size, wingspan, and diverse offensive tools makes him quite scary, and his elite fast-twitch quickness and agility let him reach any spot on the floor with ease.

NBA comparison: Tracy McGrady

Cameron Boozer (Duke) 🇺🇸

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 250 lbs
Year: Freshman

The Nets should consider themselves fortunate to pick Boozer at No. 3, as the incredibly skilled and polished big man would have his name called first in any other year. Boozer may not have the uncanny athleticism of some of his peers, but there are few in this draft, if any, who possess his blend of fundamental prowess, basketball IQ, and strength. He'll make an impact for Brooklyn from Day 1.

NBA comparison: Chris Webber

Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) 🇺🇸

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 215 lbs
Year: Freshman

Disheartened by the current state of basketball? Watch Wilson play. His contagious energy, selflessness, and personality are richly evident, even with a broken hand limiting his sample size. He might also be the most athletically gifted player in this draft. Wilson can affect the game at both ends, and his rebounding instincts are unparalleled. Additionally, he has a keen eye for a pass and a soft mid-range touch.

NBA comparison: Jermaine O'Neal

Kingston Flemings (Houston) 🇺🇸

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 190 lbs
Year: Freshman

Flemings flew out of the starting gates like a greyhound chasing a mechanical rabbit, surging up the draft board despite skepticism about the sustainability of his red-hot shooting splits. However, he's still shooting well, which is impressive for a volume shooter in a jump-shot happy offense. Flemings' pace and bounce also help him convert chances at the rim, and he can play off-ball when needed.

NBA comparison: De'Aaron Fox

Keaton Wagler (Illinois) 🇺🇸

Position: PG/SG
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 185 lbs
Year: Freshman

No player has rocketed up the draft board with the same unrestrained momentum as Wagler, who announced himself to the world with a stunning 46-point performance in a thrilling victory over Purdue in January. And he deserves all the praise. Wagler's positional size, stellar 3-point shooting, and ability to play both guard roles - a flawless adjustment made necessary by injuries at Illinois - are all valued skills in the NBA.

NBA comparison: Tyrese Haliburton

Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas) 🇺🇸

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 190 lbs
Year: Freshman

Acuff's 3.22 assist-to-turnover ratio - seventh-best among the major conferences - speaks to a playmaker who's tidy in possession. But his ability to excel in catch-and-shoot, pick-and-roll, and off-ball scenarios should also intrigue scouts. Acuff broke an NCAA D-I freshman record with a 49-point explosion against Alabama in February, delivering one of the season's best performances. This draft is stacked with high-end point-guard talent, and Acuff is one of them.

NBA comparison: Damian Lillard

Nate Ament (Tennessee) 🇺🇸

Position: SF/PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 207 lbs
Year: Freshman

Ament has primarily played power forward at Tennessee, but he projects to be an oversized wing in the NBA. He's a viable three-level scorer who also contributes on the defensive end by grabbing boards and guarding multiple positions. After Dybantsa, Ament arguably has the highest upside of any wing in this draft. The 19-year-old is better suited to join a rebuilding team like the Grizzlies, giving him room to develop and grow alongside the roster.

NBA comparison: Paolo Banchero

Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville) 🇺🇸

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 190 lbs
Year: Freshman

Brown is among this draft's top ball-handlers, and his lightning-quick first step allows him to create space and blow past defenders. Following a slow start to the season due to injuries, Brown is averaging 25.2 points across his last six games on 46.3% shooting from deep. His improved shooting mechanics are evident, and he's made significant gains athletically after largely being viewed as a below-the-rim finisher in high school.

NBA comparison: Darius Garland

Brayden Burries (Arizona) 🇺🇸

Position: PG/SG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 205 lbs
Year: Freshman

Burries just has it. The dog is most certainly within him, and when Tommy Lloyd's stacked roster needs a bucket, Burries consistently obliges. He makes up for not having top-end athleticism with impressive body control, and his vision and awareness are already at an NBA level. He's also as comfortable on the ball as he is off of it, a quality that displays his inherent understanding of the game.

NBA comparison: Devin Booker

Labaron Philon (Alabama) 🇺🇸

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 175 lbs
Year: Sophomore

Philon was a consensus lottery pick last year but made a last-minute pivot and returned to Alabama. The extra year in college has paid dividends, as he's only elevated his game ahead of one of the deepest drafts for playmakers in recent memory. Philon has significantly improved his 3-point shooting from last season's 31.5% and has raised his assists to 4.8 per game, all while orchestrating the highest-scoring offense at 92 points per contest.

NBA comparison: Jrue Holiday

Hannes Steinbach (Washington) 🇩🇪

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 220 lbs
Year: Freshman

Steinbach played one season in the top tier of German basketball before heading to Washington, and his ascension through the pro ranks is evident in his polished play. A versatile big man, he brings no glamor and all gusto at both ends. He's a very capable screener and can play with his back to the basket - two traits that pro scouts love. Steinbach is also a skilled rebounder, with his 19 double-doubles tied for second in Division I.

NBA comparison: Nikola Vucevic

Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky) 🇺🇸

Position: PF/C
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 255 lbs
Year: Sophomore

Quaintance is one of the draft's more polarizing players. NBA teams' perception of him will largely depend on how much his defensive acumen is valued relative to his shaky offensive production. His protracted return from an ACL tear hasn't helped matters. Although Quaintance's offensive tools need work, he's a one-of-a-kind defender blessed with strength and length and can guard multiple positions.

NBA comparison: Ben Wallace

Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) 🇵🇷

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 235 lbs
Year: Senior

The main knock against Lendeborg is his age, as he'll turn 24 before his rookie campaign. However, that overlooks the fact that he'll enter the league as a more polished prospect than most of his peers. Lendeborg's versatile skill set and ability to disrupt on defense are NBA-level skills. He could also be an instant contributor and fulfill his potential before completing his rookie-scale deal, making him a good option for a win-now team like the Spurs.

NBA comparison: Obi Toppin

Braylon Mullins (UConn) 🇺🇸

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 196 lbs
Year: Freshman

Mullins is a knockdown shooter with a velvety stroke and the size necessary to get a shot off in any scenario - talents that should translate well at the next level. While his proficiency as a perimeter threat draws the most attention, Mullins is also a capable defender, tidy passer, and instinctive rebounder. He'll join Stephon Castle as recent UConn guards to make the jump with NBA-ready skills in tow.

NBA comparison: Gary Trent Jr.

Koa Peat (Arizona) 🇺🇸

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 235 lbs
Year: Freshman

Peat's athleticism should compensate for his relative lack of size as a power forward at the next level. He already possesses an NBA-ready physique and is remarkably agile considering his frame. There are questions about his shooting - especially given the popularity of stretch bigs - but NBA teams should value his versatility and ability to defend multiple positions. Furthermore, his willingness to play various roles for a strong Arizona squad is a nod to his selflessness.

NBA comparison: Blake Griffin

Alijah Arenas (USC) 🇺🇸

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 199 lbs
Year: Freshman

Arenas is one of the biggest questions in the draft after his college debut was postponed following a six-month layoff from a torn meniscus and an offseason car accident. There's been no indication whether Arenas will test NBA waters or return to USC, though there's a ton of upside for a player gifted with a mix of size, creativity, and scoring versatility. He fits the mold of a modern NBA wing to a tee.

NBA comparison: Jamal Crawford

Thomas Haugh (Florida) 🇺🇸

Position: SF/PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 215 lbs
Year: Junior

The advent of advanced metrics can sometimes come at the expense of valuing intangibles. If we're grading Haugh solely on intangibles, he's one of the most desirable players in this draft. Possessing a remarkable motor, the Florida forward constantly outworks opponents at both ends. His move to small forward this season has been impressively seamless, and he's maintained his shooting and rebounding presence even while playing farther from the basket.

NBA comparison: Dorian Finney-Smith

Cameron Carr (Baylor) 🇺🇸

Position: SG/SF
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 215 lbs
Year: Sophomore

Carr to the Raptors at No. 19 almost makes too much sense. The Baylor wing's game is as smooth as they come, and that's not limited to his proficiency from deep and ability to create chances on the perimeter. He's maybe the purest shooter in this draft. Although Carr could afford some time in the weight room, his lateral quickness and agility allow him to stay in front of opponents on the defensive end, only adding to the overall package.

NBA comparison: Trey Murphy III

Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston) 🇺🇸

Position: PF/C
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 240 lbs
Year: Freshman

Cenac is getting lottery consideration because of his 7-foot-4 wingspan and ability to run the floor. The 19-year-old is a versatile defender and rebounder, and his paint presence and positional awareness should create high-percentage opportunities. He can also shoot from deep. However, Cenac needs considerable work on his post moves, something Houston's jump-shot reliant offense doesn't emphasize. He could benefit from another year of college.

NBA comparison: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Patrick Ngongba II (Duke) 🇺🇸

Position: C
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 250 lbs
Year: Sophomore

With the LeBron James era coming to an end, the Lakers need to build a roster that complements Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Adding a big man who thrives at the basics and can operate in a two-man game with Doncic would be a great start. Ngongba excels in short-roll situations and is a proficient finisher at the rim. The Duke sophomore's passing prowess and defensive attributes are also valuable traits.

NBA comparison: Al Jefferson

Karim Lopez (New Zealand) 🇲🇽

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 220 lbs

Lopez won't have an immediate impact, and the Mexican forward's stock dropped slightly after a slow start to the season in Australia's top flight. However, he largely overcame those early obstacles, displaying a wealth of tools that hint at high-end potential as a two-way force. Lopez was always going to be a long-term play, and the Nuggets can afford to invest in the 18-year-old's potential.

NBA comparison: Aaron Gordon

Christian Anderson (Texas Tech) 🇺🇸

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 180 lbs
Year: Sophomore

If you're going to watch one performance by Anderson, his 31-point, 11-rebound, seven-assist display in a Feb. 24 win over Cincinnati is a microcosm of what the shifty guard can do. Adept at changing speeds and exploiting pick-and-roll scenarios, Anderson is an elite facilitator who ranks third in D-I in assists and makes those around him better. He's also a skilled shotmaker, with his 3.3 made triples per game tied for seventh-best in the nation.

NBA comparison: Jamal Murray

Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor) 🇧🇯

Position: SG/SF
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 215 lbs
Year: Freshman

Yessoufou's robust frame and top-end athleticism enable him to bully opponents. He consistently finishes high-percentage shots and attacks in transition, and he's shown flashes of a perimeter game. The 18-year-old is also a capable defender and crashes the offensive and defensive boards. Yessoufou won't make an immediate impact in the NBA, but he fits the profile of a player who can make sizeable contributions at both ends.

NBA comparison: Bennedict Mathurin

Amari Allen (Alabama) 🇺🇸

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 205 lbs
Year: Freshman

If you believe in omens, reigning Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year Allen is set to follow former winners Kon Knueppel, Jalen Johnson, and Haliburton to the NBA. With a solid frame and the ability to shoot from deep, Allen has the makings of a textbook 3-and-D guy. Averaging 1.8 stocks (blocks plus steals) per game, Allen is an active defender with scalable assets that may be better suited to the pro game than to college. Size matters.

NBA comparison: Herb Jones

Bennett Stirtz (Iowa) 🇺🇸

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 190 lbs
Year: Senior

With Stirtz, the Knicks know exactly what they're getting: an offensive specialist who excels as a shooter and a playmaker. The Iowa guard thrives in the pick-and-roll and as an off-the-dribble shooter, and he compensates for his modest athleticism by leveraging success for others. Stirtz's defense needs work, though his craftiness will draw fans of a certain vintage.

NBA comparison: Kirk Hinrich

Aday Mara (Michigan) 🇪🇸

Position: C
Height: 7-foot-3
Weight: 255 lbs
Year: Junior

You can't teach height. Luckily for Mara, he's got it in droves. Still, it would be reductive to view the Spaniard as a one-dimensional big. He averages nearly as many assists (2.4) as he does blocks, and his ability to throw a pinpoint leak-out pass helps Michigan thrive in transition. Mara doesn't stretch the floor, and his free-throw shooting is a concern, but he's a skilled finisher, gifted passer, and solid rebounder.

NBA comparison: Arvydas Sabonis

Dailyn Swain (Texas) 🇺🇸

Position: SG/SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 225 lbs
Year: Junior

Swain has numerous assets that appeal to scouts. He's a high-level athlete who fits the mould of a modern wing, versatile enough to contribute at both ends and guard multiple positions. He can also finish at the rim, but his effectiveness decreases the farther he gets. While we won't call it a red flag, Swain's 3-point shooting needs work. His aptitude at the free-throw line could be a passage toward improvement in that area.

NBA comparison: Jerami Grant

Henri Veesaar (North Carolina) 🇪🇪

Position: C
Height: 7-feet
Weight: 225 lbs
Year: Junior

Veesaar is projected to be selected in the late first round or early second round, and his high-level experience with Real Madrid, Arizona, and North Carolina helps his stock. He has a modern skill set, highlighted by his mobility and pick-and-pop, floor-spacing skills. The 21-year-old has also developed into an active shot-blocker and post passer. Veesaar is looking to become just the third Estonian to play in the NBA.

NBA comparison: Jaylin Williams

Flory Bidunga (Kansas) 🇨🇩

Position: C
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 235 lbs
Year: Sophomore

In his freshman season, Bidunga attracted attention for his raw but ridiculously athletic skill set. This year, the Jayhawks sophomore has taken his defense to the next level while refining several key elements of his game. Bidunga likely won't ever develop his shot enough to become a floor-spacer, but his ability to finish high-percentage attempts and provide top-tier defense should be enough to keep him on the floor in the NBA.

NBA comparison: Antonio McDyess