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Mixture 2026 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: First have a look at Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, extra


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Right here is the primary mixture mock draft for 2026, compiled from solely eight of the standard 10 mock drafts obtainable to create a composite rating. At this early stage, opinions are extremely conflicting, making it difficult to achieve a consensus. Consequently, there are important variations in participant evaluations as soon as we transfer past the Prime 20 prospects.

Personally, a rule of thumb is to keep away from “over-scouting” youngsters in highschool gyms and attempt to preserve tabs on how they carry out as they enter faculty (or abroad as professionals). Having skilled a development spurt myself at 23, going from 5-11 to 6-1. I acknowledge how a lot these younger athletes can change bodily (and mentally) in a brief period of time (or be a late bloomer). An ideal instance is Kevon Looney, in case you have a look at his highschool mixtape, you may need assumed he would grow to be the following nice scoring ahead. As an alternative, he remodeled into a robust, excessive really feel, massive man after overcoming varied accidents.

At present, as we consider prospects, it’s essential to notice that some freshmen and transfers haven’t even arrived on campus but. This 12 months, we’re additionally seeing an inflow of European expertise because of the NIL alternatives. With faculties implementing wage caps, many worldwide gamers select faculty basketball over staying in European leagues the place they might compete for minutes in opposition to seasoned veterans combating to assist their households.

A proof for HoopsHype’s Draft Predictor from colleague Alberto de Roa, who contributed analysis to this story, might be discovered right here

NOTE: These rankings replicate the composite rating to get a really feel for the general consensus, not our personal opinion.

Darryn Peterson – adidas Eurocamp

Greatest rank: 1 / Worst rank: 2

6-5 | 195 lbs | 6-10 WS | Freshman

Kansas picked up a gem on this prototypical sized jumbo guard that may play one by means of three and has the mature vibe of a 30-year-old in a young person physique. Peterson can rating from wherever on the ground and has the potential to be a franchise participant. He’s a pure scorer who can hit robust pull-up pictures and play as a lead guard or a cutter off the ball. He can most likely defend each place besides facilities as soon as he totally bulks up in his 20s. He’s received the physique to deal with greater wings and athleticism to hold with faster guards. Some scouts suppose he would possibly simply be higher than the 2025 NBA Draft’s No. 1 general decide Cooper Flagg.

Jonae McCloud-USA Basketball

Greatest rank: 1 / Worst rank: 3

6-9 | 210 lbs | 7-0 WS | Freshman

Dybantsa has loopy defensive expertise, hops such as you wouldn’t consider, and may play each the three and 4 positions. Dybantsa is a block-hunter and likes to create turnovers, plus he accelerates the courtroom for some spotlight finishes. He has respectable handles to maintain defenders on their toes, however nonetheless must work on his half-court recreation a bit.  Dybantsa has all of the instruments, prototypical measurement and athleticism to be an All-NBA caliber two-way franchise cornerstone.

Jonae McCloud-USA Basketball

Greatest rank: 1 / Worst rank: 3

6-9 | 235 lbs | 7-1 WS | Freshman

The Son of Carlos Boozer,and twin brother of Cayden Boozer, Cam Boozer is an influence ahead for Duke who performs like a beast. He’s received elite rebounding expertise, tender palms, and nice footwork, and throws outlet passes that type of remind you of Kevin Love. Boozer can bounce excessive for putbacks and has a pleasant contact as much as 17 ft, which opens up his pick-and-pop recreation. He’s polished, productive, and unselfish, and he’s trying like somebody who could make an immediate affect within the frontcourt as a pure 4 that may be a change massive.

Nate Ament – Beneath Armour Elite 24

Greatest rank: 4 / Worst rank: 7

6-10 | 185 lbs | 7-0 WS | Freshman

This 6-10, 185-pound freshman from Tennessee is a little bit of a wild card. He’s received the ability set of a ahead who can shoot, and he reminds you of Kevin Durant-Brandon Ingram together with his pull-up means. The catch? He tends to fade when the sport will get bodily, and he can grow to be so passive that he disappears within the background. If he bulks up and stays constant, his capturing and ball-handling might push him to the highest; if not, he would possibly simply be a streaky scorer. He has the bottom ground out of the Prime 4 however somebody might argue he has the second highest ceiling (potential sensible behind Peterson) on this class if all of it hits.

Pamela Smith-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 5 / Worst rank: 14

6-3 | 173 lbs | 6-6 WS | Freshman

Brown is a dynamic participant who can create area to attain and is taken into account the highest pure level guard within the draft, even together with his score-first mentality. He is aware of find out how to manipulate defenses in pick-and-roll conditions however must sharpen his decision-making and add some muscle for the NBA. Brown is extra of a scoring guard like Coby White than a ground normal. If he polishes his recreation, he could possibly be a robust starter or a fantastic set off the bench.

College of Kentucky

Greatest rank: 4 / Worst rank: 13

6-10 | 225 lbs | 7-5 WS | Sophomore

The Kentucky sophomore performs like he’s a middle who’s nonetheless engaged on turning into a ahead. He’s an explosive goal for lobs, has an enormous attain, and may be essentially the most versatile massive on this class. He’s nice at blocking pictures and may dangle with guards on the perimeter, however his offense nonetheless wants some work past simple dunks and put-backs. With even slight enhancements, he might actually shine as a two-way starter. The largest query for him to reply this 12 months is that if he’s a 4 or an undersized 5.

Phil Walter/Getty Photographs

Greatest rank: 5 / Worst rank: 18

6-8 | 210 lbs | 6-11 WS | 2007

Heralded as the longer term face of Mexican basketball (taking part in for the NZ Breakers as a NBL Subsequent Stars), Lopez has a little bit of all the pieces, a good deal with, okay jumper, and good measurement, however he doesn’t have one elite ability that stands out, main some to label him as a “Georges Niang with further size.” If he can develop a stronger dribble or grow to be a greater catch-and-shoot participant, he might discover actual worth within the league; if not, he would possibly find yourself being a strong bench function participant.

Pamela Smith-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 5 / Worst rank: 16

6-10 | 233 lbs | 7-4 WS | Freshman

Tasks as an anchor for Houston resulting from his gorgeous 7-4 wingspan and a few spectacular footwork for a giant man. He exhibits off his grab-and-go expertise and has tender contact across the basket. Cenac can change simply between totally different defensive schemes, however he nonetheless has some uncooked sides to his recreation, particularly together with his footwork and ball dealing with. With extra playtime, he might flip right into a rim-runner and shot-blocking specialist.

Pamela Smith-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 6 / Worst rank: NR

6-9 | 205 lbs | 7-0 WS | Freshman

The North Carolina freshman has lots going for him together with his fluid motion, flashes of spectacular expertise, and instincts on protection. Wilson’s motor isn’t revving on a regular basis however when he’s unleashed, he’s a freak of nature. Nevertheless, he hasn’t managed to place all of it collectively persistently but, and his capturing might be hit and miss. Nonetheless, there’s clear potential right here for him to grow to be a contemporary two-way ahead if he can amp up his motor and expertise.

Nike

Greatest rank: 4 / Worst rank: NR

6-5 | 210 lbs | 6-11 WS | Freshman

Appears like a grown man, at 6-5 with a chiseled-frame, as a freshman from Baylor, Yessoufou is a robust athlete who’s regarded prepared for school since he arrived. He’s going to be a participant to observe, able to guarding a number of positions and attacking the rim aggressively. Yessoufou will remind individuals of Anthony Edwards at first look, nonetheless we don’t suppose he’s in the identical stratosphere as Ant. If he can develop a dependable catch-and-shoot recreation, he would possibly grow to be a incredible 3-and-D starter or an explosive power man off the bench.

Hans Lucas/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)

Greatest rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR

6-6 | 190 lbs | 6-10 WS | 2007

At 6-6, this guard from Melbourne United can rating from in every single place with ease, and has the identical killer defensive instincts his older brother, Dyson Daniels, is understood for. His easy launch makes him lethal in opposition to closeouts, and he has a knack for creating performs. Whereas he’s aggressive on protection and has a strong construct, he’s received common restoration pace. Daniels could possibly be a guard, nonetheless, he appears to be extra of a swingman and can have the ability to guard one by means of 4 when he bulks up. He might match nicely as a late-lottery participant who can step in and shoot, with the potential to grow to be a flexible two-way starter.

Patrick Breen / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 4 / Worst rank: 18

6-8 | 235 lbs | 6-11 WS | Freshman

Peat is a frontcourt participant, his brother is NFL lineman Andrus Peat, who could possibly be a gritty, undersized change massive much like Isaiah Stewart. With some fast footwork, he is aware of find out how to reap the benefits of mismatches within the publish, and his means to stretch the ground retains defenses guessing. If he can work on his lateral quickness and timing on rim safety, he might actually shine as a small-ball 5.

Robert Deutsch-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 11 / Worst rank: NR

6-7 | 170 lbs | 6-10 WS | Sophomore

Evans withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft, the place he was climbing up boards as a possible first spherical decide, to return for his sophomore 12 months at Duke. He’s a wiry quantity three-point shooter with a fast launch that makes opposing defenses sweat, particularly together with his means to shoot from means past the NBA three-point line. If he can placed on some muscle, add some ballhandling and enhance his shot creation, Evans might develop right into a go-to scorer and a strong two-way participant within the rotation.

Julia Hansen/Iowa Metropolis Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 9 / Worst rank: 35

6-4 | 180 lbs | 6-7 WS | Senior

This senior combo guard heading to Iowa after a quick stint at Drake is understood for his nice capturing off the transfer and artful handles. Following teaching genius Ben McCollum to Iowa, anticipate Stirtz to proceed being the obedient solider he hsi and ball out beneath McCollum’s scheme. If he can show he might be environment friendly in opposition to robust Huge Ten competitors, he’ll solidify his worth as a go-to shooter who can even contribute as a secondary playmaker.

College of Michigan

Greatest rank: 11 / Worst rank: 28

6-9 | 235 lbs | 7-4 WS | Senior

Lendeborg, who withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft after being a possible first-round decide, can do a little bit of all the pieces. He helps provoke quick breaks, makes performs on the transfer, and scores from all around the courtroom whereas snagging rebounds and switching on protection. If he can tighten up his jumper and make cleaner selections, he would possibly match the mildew of a flexible two-way frontcourt participant like Guerschon Yabusele on the subsequent degree.

Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball by way of Getty Photographs

Greatest rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR

6-7 | 195 lbs | 6-11 WS | 2006

The extremely anticipated French wing arrives from Barcelona with an intriguing mix of defensive versatility and the flexibility to shoot from past the arc. At Duke, he’s anticipated to showcase his dynamic slashing capabilities in transition and within the half-court. Nevertheless, scouts are primarily eager to watch enhancements in his off-ball capturing and decision-making when driving to the basket. Ought to his courtroom consciousness evolve to match his bodily instruments, Sarr has the potential to emerge as a Prime 10 two-way wing within the league akin to Bilal Coulibaly.

Jordan Prather-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 14 / Worst rank: NR

6-1 | 172 lbs | 6-5 WS | Sophomore

Auburn’s lead guard is a dynamic scorer with a knack for fast bursts of pace, adept at hitting pull-up three-pointers and fearlessly attacking the rim. Pettiford had a good showcase on the 2025 NBA Draft Mix and he’ll use the suggestions from scouts this season to spice up his draft inventory. His shorter stature might restrict his margin for error in sure conditions, making it important for him to enhance his playmaking skills and on-ball protection to remodel late-first spherical buzz into strong draft actuality.

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 10 / Worst rank: NR

6-3 | 175 lbs | 6-6 WS | Sophomore

With a sophisticated understanding of the sport, Philon navigates the courtroom brilliantly, utilizing modifications in tempo and intelligent off-ball actions to govern opposing defenses. Philon has this herky-jerky fashion of play that may swimsuit the NBA if he can enhance his shot. Including 10 kilos of muscle and growing a extra constant catch-and-shoot recreation might elevate his excessive basketball IQ into tangible first-round worth.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Photographs

Greatest rank: 16 / Worst rank: NR

6-6 | 215 lbs | 6-10 WS | Sophomore

The youthful brother of NBA participant Kevin Knox has proven important development, ending final season with a strong season capturing from deep. Combining straight-line explosiveness with an improved capturing stroke, if Knox can keep his jumper whereas tightening his ball-handling expertise, he might remodel right into a worthwhile plug-and-play scoring wing.

College of Florida

Greatest rank: 8 / Worst rank: NR

6-2 | 172 lbs | 6-6 WS | Sophomore

A maestro of the pick-and-roll, Fland has the flexibility to shift speeds and drain long-range pictures with ease. Nevertheless, he should discover a stability between his scoring intuition and playmaking obligations. Fland has one of many best-looking pictures in faculty basketball, and he must be extra constant from deep as he’ll be an undersized guard prospect for the fashionable NBA. Florida’s fast-paced fashion of play will present him with the chance to showcase that he’s not only a scorer, but in addition a succesful facilitator.

Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 7 / Worst rank: NR

6-5 | 185 lbs | 6-7 WS | Freshman

Some of the deadly motion shooters on this class, boasting a staggering shot from three throughout the AAU season, Mullins joins Dan Hurley’s screen-heavy offense. His tenacious protection on the point-of-attack will preserve him on the ground, and his means to make fast selections and create off-ball motion hints at substantial one-and-done potential. If Mullins can present the flexibility to shoot off-ball when operating off screens, showcase his motion capturing and be constant, he’ll be a possible lottery decide.

Andy Abeyta/The Desert Solar / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 5 / Worst rank: NR

6-8 | 215 lbs | 6-9 WS | Freshman

Khamenia from Duke is one other thrilling expertise. Standing 6-8 and weighing 215 kilos, he performs like some extent guard whereas additionally being a ahead. He processes the sport tremendous quick, could make fancy passes with both hand, and has dependable capturing vary. Khamenia must solidify his place as a combo ahead and keep away from being labeled as a “tweener” resulting from his distinctive skillset.  If he can enhance his burst and add some power, he’ll actually elevate his recreation and be a wise playmaker in any lineup.

Scott Wachter-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 15 / Worst rank: NR

6-9 | 210 lbs | 6-11 WS | Junior

The Gators’ hidden gem, Haugh combines the agility to change on protection, explosive leaping means, and an rising capturing contact from past the arc, hitting 34 p.c of his makes an attempt. Haugh suits the modern-say 4 place as a utility participant that may moonlight as a stretch 5. The Gators noticed a major bounce in web score throughout his minutes; a rise in his function might catapult him into first-round consideration.

David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 5 / Worst rank: NR

6-2 | 180 lbs | 6-6 WS | Freshman

An explosive lead guard, Acuff possesses a robust construct paired with downhill pace and spectacular capturing vary. Acuff Jr. has a thicker construct, decrease middle of gravity and is usually a dynamic facilitator within the pick-and-roll. His success will hinge on his consistency as a decision-maker and his dedication to defensive obligations, which can decide if his esteemed highschool pedigree interprets to instant SEC success.

Pamela Smith-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR

6-7 | 197 lbs | 7-0 WS | Freshman

At present recovering from a critical automotive crash, the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas shows a powerful ability set with the footwork and confidence of knowledgeable scorer. Arenas is a large combo guard who can play the wing, with the flexibility to attain on all three ranges whereas guarding one by means of threes. If he can regain his quickness and shot-creating means, the 18-year-old nonetheless holds the potential to be a excessive lottery choice.

Robert Deutsch-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 19 / Worst rank: NR

7-0 | 222 lbs | 7-0 WS | Junior

A cellular seven-footer with tender palms and distinctive grab-and-go capabilities, Condon possesses a budding proficiency in pick-and-pop conditions. He performs with the stereotypical Aussie grit, prepared to play greater than he’s, does the soiled work and at all times makes himself obtainable. To raise his standing from an intriguing prospect to a strong funding, he should grow to be extra assertive in securing rebounds and persistently defending the rim.

Eakin Howard-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 23 / Worst rank: NR

6-9 | 210 lbs | 7-1 WS | Junior

Identified for his relentless motor, Toppin excels at rebounding, transitioning easily, switching onto wing gamers, and displaying flashes of face-up scoring. Toppin is arguably the perfect rebounding non-big within the nation and top-of-the-line offensive rebounders within the nation. By honing his nook three-point capturing proficiency and enhancing his short-roll passing expertise, he can scale his energizing fashion into NBA rotations.

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 17 / Worst rank: NR

6-6 | 182 lbs | 6-10 WS | Junior

A defensive playmaker with spectacular stats, together with 2.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per recreation, Byrd possesses a eager passing imaginative and prescient and a strong free throw proportion that bodes nicely as foreshadowing his capturing potential. Byrd has all of the makings of a Swiss military knife sort of wing that competes on each ens. After withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft as a fringe first-round prospect, Byrd will hit the burden room and the health club to spice up his draft inventory. Nevertheless, his profession capturing from three stays the lone barrier between him and true 3-and-D standing.

College of St. John’s

Greatest rank: 15 / Worst rank: NR

6-5 | 190 lbs | 6-8 WS | Sophomore

An explosive athlete, Jackson showcases the flexibility to attain from all three ranges however nonetheless requires enchancment in his decision-making and defensive self-discipline. Jackson confirmed he can rating in a myriad of the way however the inconsistency and tunnel imaginative and prescient as a passer hurts him. He might additionally grow to be a extra an engaged defender as his effort wanes at occasions. A breakout season beneath Rick Pitino’s steerage might reignite his trajectory towards a Prime 15 draft choice.

William Purnell-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 21 / Worst rank: NR

6-7 | 230 lbs | 7-6 WS | Junior

Extensively thought to be certainly one of faculty basketball’s finest defenders, Tugler excels at erasing errors with outstanding floor protection and spectacular vertical leaping means resulting from his wingspan being nearly a foot longer than his peak. He will likely be a day one plus-help defender and weakside rim protector within the NBA. Offensively, his recreation is proscribed to cuts and rolls, however even growing a dependable nook three-point shot would improve his readiness for the NBA.

Pamela Smith-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 11 / Worst rank: NR

6-4 | 190 lbs | 6-5 WS | Freshman

College of Kentucky

Greatest rank: 17 / Worst rank: NR

6-8 | 190 lbs | 6-10 WS | Freshman

Sally Maxson / for BCT / USA TODAY NETWORK

Greatest rank: 9 / Worst rank: NR

6-4 | 185 lbs | 6-6 WS | Freshman

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 11 / Worst rank: NR

6-5 | 200 lbs | 6-9 WS | Freshman

Hans Lucas/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)

Greatest rank: 17 / Worst rank: NR

6-6 | 175 lbs | 6-7 WS | 2005

College of Michigan

Greatest rank: 22 / Worst rank: NR

7-3 | 233 lbs | 7-6 WS | Junior

Robert Deutsch-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 24 / Worst rank: NR

6-4 | 190 lbs | 6-5 WS | Senior

Emilee Chinn/Getty Photographs

Greatest rank: 28 / Worst rank: NR

6-0 | 175 lbs | 6-3 WS | Senior

Bob Donnan-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 27 / Worst rank: NR

6-8 | 219 lbs | 6-11 | Senior

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Imagesn Photographs

Greatest rank: 18 / Worst rank: NR

6-4 | 200 lbs | 6-5 WS | Freshman

Bob Donnan-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 13 / Worst rank: NR

6-10 | 235 lbs | 7-4 WS | Sophomore

Dylan Buell/Getty Photographs

Greatest rank: 36 / Worst rank: NR

6-8 | 220 lbs | 6-10 WS | Sophomore

Bob Donnan-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 21 / Worst rank: NR

6-3 | 190 lbs | 6-6 WS | Junior

Photograph by Ezra Shaw/Getty Photographs

Greatest rank: 33 / Worst rank: NR

6-6 | 236 lbs | 6-6 WS | Senior

College of Kentucky

Greatest rank: 31 / Worst rank: NR

6-1 | 162 lbs | 6-6 WS | Junior

Benny Sieu-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 35 / Worst rank: NR

7-1 | 220 lbs | 7-3 WS | Sophomore

Steph Chambers/Getty Photographs

Greatest rank: 34 / Worst rank: NR

7-0 | 250 lbs | 7-6 WS | Senior

Zachary Taft-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 27 / Worst rank: NR

6-5 | 195 lbs | 6-7 WS | Sophomore

Kansas State College

Greatest rank: 24 / Worst rank: NR

6-6 | 195 lbs | 6-9 WS | 2006

KK Mega Basket

Greatest rank: 25 / Worst rank: NR

6-7 | 190 lbs | 6-9 WS | 2007

Brian Fluharty-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 34 / Worst rank: NR

6-9 | 240 lbs | 7-1 WS | Junior

College of Washington

Greatest rank: 26 / Worst rank: NR

6-9 | 185 lbs | 6-11 WS | 2006

College of Southern California

Greatest rank: 23 / Worst rank: NR

6-10 | 230 lbs | 7-0 WS | Sophomore

Chris Coduto/Getty Photographs

Greatest rank: 27 / Worst rank: NR

7-2 | 260 lbs | 7-2 WS | Junior

Jeff Haynes/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs

Greatest rank: 26 / Worst rank: NR

6-7 | 187 lbs | 6-8 WS | 2006

Arianna Grainey-Imagn Photographs

Greatest rank: 29 / Worst rank: NR

6-6 | 200 lbs | 6-8 WS | Sophomore

College of Virginia

Greatest rank: 37 / Worst rank: NR

6-10 | 220 lbs | 7-0 WS | 2005

Syracuse Athletics

Greatest rank: 29 / Worst rank: NR

6-9 | 205 lbs | 6-10 | Sophomore

 

Illinois Athletics

Greatest rank: 4 / Worst rank: NR

6-7 | 205 lbs | 6-9 | Junior

Vanderbilt Athletics

Greatest rank: 18 / Worst rank: NR

6-9 | 200 lbs | 6-10 WS | Junior

You possibly can comply with Cyro Asseo (@CyroAsseo) on X, previously referred to as Twitter, or Blue Sky.