10 faculty basketball groups with essentially the most NBA prospects

In an period when faculty basketball groups are more and more reliant on the switch portal to recruit extra skilled gamers — and fewer desirous about stockpiling one-and-done recruits, excluding Duke — having uncooked expertise with professional upside on a roster nonetheless issues.

Final season’s nationwide title staff at Florida featured first-round 2025 NBA draft decide Walter Clayton Jr., two second-rounders (Alijah Martin and Will Richard) and two projected 2026 first-rounders (Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh). UConn’s back-to-back champs produced six whole NBA draft picks, with yet one more within the pipeline (Alex Karaban).

All of that to say: It is no shock that many of the 2026 title contenders discover themselves on this season’s checklist of groups with essentially the most NBA expertise, based mostly on ESPN’s NBA draft massive board.

Preseason No. 1 Purdue is the notable exception. The Boilermakers have two gamers — Braden Smith (No. 33) and Trey Kaufman-Renn (No. 94) — featured within the high 100, however that wasn’t sufficient to make the lower based mostly on our methodology (extra on that beneath). Will that matter of their quest to win this system’s first nationwide title? Matt Painter has lengthy been a proponent of retention and continuity; it has introduced this system loads of success; and he is betting on it once more this season. We’ll discover out in 5 months if he is proper.

It is also price noting the staff with the projected No. 1 decide, Kansas and Darryn Peterson, did not make the lower. Whereas NBA groups will flock to guage the Jayhawks all season, they in the end have just one different participant, Flory Bidunga (No. 64), on the massive board.

Now let’s dive into the highest 10 groups with essentially the most future NBA expertise as ranked by ESPN NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo and faculty basketball reporter Jeff Borzello, who weighted top-50 prospects extra closely within the components and gave an additional increase to groups that featured lottery picks and elite-level prospects.

High-50 gamers: Cameron Boozer (No. 3), Dame Sarr (No. 10), Isaiah Evans (No. 20), Patrick Ngongba II (No. 27), Nikolas Khamenia (No. 34)

Different professional prospects: Cayden Boozer, Sebastian Wilkins

Whereas we’d not see the Blue Devils produce three lottery picks after sending Cooper Flagg (No. 1), Kon Knueppel (No. 4) and Khaman Maluach (No. 10) to the NBA on the high of this previous summer time’s draft, Jon Scheyer’s staff is constructed round a brand new prodigious freshman centerpiece in Cameron Boozer.

Boozer is arguably essentially the most college-ready participant within the freshman class and might be within the working for Nationwide Participant of the Yr as he jockeys for the No. 1 decide. His mixture of bodily power, superior ability and stylish basketball IQ make him a wonderful long-term prospect.

The remainder of Duke’s roster is a lot gifted, however nonetheless growing. Sarr has lottery potential and long-term professional attraction as a jumbo wing with actual defensive chops. Khamenia brings 3-point capturing and dimension to the frontcourt, nevertheless it’s unclear precisely how briskly his NBA observe will probably be. Boozer’s twin brother, Cayden, tasks as extra of a multiyear faculty participant and opens the season behind Caleb Foster within the guard rotation.

There’s returning expertise as nicely, with Evans trying to show he can rating with extra consistency as he steps right into a beginning position. His bucket-getting capacity creates a pathway to the NBA with continued enchancment. Ngongba ought to construct on the flashes he confirmed as a freshman, with a lovely mixture of dimension, offensive ability and flexibility.

This staff ought to in the end go so far as Cam Boozer can carry them. — Woo

High-50 gamers: Chris Cenac Jr. (No. 7), Joseph Tugler (No. 23), Kingston Flemings (No. 37), Isiah Harwell (No. 45)

Different professional prospects: Milos Uzan (No. 55), Emanuel Sharp (No. 89)

Kelvin Sampson and the Cougars have received via continuity, figuring out gamers who match their gritty ethos and customarily retaining these gamers lengthy sufficient to see their improvement repay.

That recipe seems to be a little bit bit totally different this season with freshmen Cenac, Harwell and Flemings all slated for important roles. All three have NBA potential however are nonetheless a methods from impacting a recreation at that degree. There may be some rising pains because the season goes on, however Cenac has the very best ceiling of the group as a talented massive who may shield the basket. Sampson will probably be tasked with toughening him up, and the way shortly Cenac takes to the faculty recreation will probably be a determinant on this staff’s ceiling. Harwell affords good dimension on the wing and 3-and-D potential, whereas Flemings is considered essentially the most college-ready of the trio along with his playmaking. Nonetheless, neither Harwell nor Flemings is taken into account a surefire one-and-done.

The excellent news is that Houston returns a trio of battle-tested starters in Tugler, Uzan and Sharp. Tugler’s toughness and defensive mentality give him long-term NBA position participant attraction, however his restricted offensive affect makes him a little bit of an acquired style. He might play his approach into the primary spherical with a monster season. Uzan ought to once more be one of many higher flooring generals. And Sharp is a wonderful long-range marksman. One other deep March run would assist bolster their standings. — Woo

High-50 gamers: Koa Peat (No. 8), Dwayne Aristode (No. 32), Brayden Burries (No. 41), Motiejus Krivas (No. 49)

Different professional prospects: Ivan Kharchenkov (No. 52), Jaden Bradley (No. 100), Sidi Gueye

Tommy Lloyd and the Wildcats have a number of potential first-round picks hoping to comply with in Carter Bryant’s one-and-done footsteps.

5-star recruits Peat and Burries might match that invoice, with each already seeing heavy utilization via two video games. Peat can do some little bit of the whole lot as a 6-foot-8, 235-pound ahead. Burries is a big-time scorer who’s bodily prepared for the faculty recreation. The query for each prospects is whether or not they have the explosiveness to make an affect within the NBA. Peat started to reply that with a 30-point, 7-rebound, 5-assist efficiency towards reigning champion Florida on opening night time.

Two extra newcomers — Aristode and Kharchenkov — do not have the identical outlined roles as Peat and Burries, however will battle for minutes on the wing. Aristode instantly jumps out from an NBA perspective as a 3-and-D asset, whereas Kharchenkov grew to become the youngest participant in Bundesliga historical past when he made his debut for Bayern Munich as a 16-year-old in 2022.

Krivas performed in simply eight video games final season earlier than lacking the remainder of the marketing campaign with a foot damage, however the 7-2 heart and former projected first-round decide is again on the ground. He’s a terrific defensive participant who has proven flashes offensively. — Borzello

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Florida Gators vs. Arizona Wildcats: Sport Highlights

Florida Gators vs. Arizona Wildcats: Sport Highlights

High-50 gamers: Braylon Mullins (No. 12), Alex Karaban (No. 40)

Different professional prospects: Eric Reibe (No. 53), Solo Ball (No. 59), Tarris Reed Jr., Jaylin Stewart, Silas Demary Jr.

Dan Hurley and UConn have produced 4 first-rounders and 7 draft picks within the final three years, and the Huskies are on observe for extra after reloading the roster to compete for a 3rd nationwide title in 4 years.

Mullins might be this system’s third straight one-and-done first-rounder. He was arguably the very best shooter within the 2025 recruiting class and has proven the flexibility to get to the basket if defenses shut out too aggressively or crowd him an excessive amount of on the perimeter. He suffered a sprained ankle in late October, although, and is out till December.

Karaban opted towards rolling the cube as a borderline first-round decide previously two drafts, and he ought to be extra snug as a focus of the UConn offense this season. He made strides as greater than only a catch-and-shoot stretch ahead final season, and the arrivals of Mullins and Demary ought to assist him.

Ball broke out as a sophomore, going from 3.3 factors and 31.9% 3-point capturing in 2024-25 to 14.4 and 41.4% marks final season. He wants to point out extra off the dribble, but when he takes an identical leap this season, he might play himself into the All-American dialog.

Stewart is one other identify to watch, particularly if he can generate some momentum whereas filling in for Mullins, and Reibe is exhibiting flashes early. — Borzello

High-50 gamers: Darius Acuff Jr. (No. 16), Meleek Thomas (No. 26), Karter Knox (No. 38)

Different professional prospects: Trevon Brazile, D.J. Wagner, Billy Richmond III, Malique Ewin

Arkansas has a deep steady of potential prospects regardless of missing the clearcut lottery picks different groups on this checklist possess.

In typical John Calipari vogue, he introduced in a pair of five-star guards who’ve the expertise to go one-and-done. Acuff is the kind of level guard Calipari loves at hand the ball to, and did to begin this season — he is an explosive playmaker as a scorer and distributor. And whereas Thomas is coming off the bench, he is a terrific scorer. High quality-tuning his shot choice is the principle space for enchancment.

Knox is the highest-ranked of Arkansas’ prospects amongst non-freshmen after the previous five-star recruit moved into the beginning lineup final December and completed the season on a tear. He’ll have to point out extra as a fringe shooter, however he has made strides in that division since highschool.

Wagner and Brazile have been on draft boards for years; Richmond is trying to transfer himself up on them. — Borzello

High-50 gamers: Thomas Haugh (No. 14), Alex Condon (No. 29)

Different professional prospects: Boogie Fland (No. 54), Xaivian Lee (No. 86), CJ Ingram

Florida ought to have greater than sufficient on the roster to mount a correct title protection after retooling the backcourt with transfers Fland and Lee.

Haugh and Condon give the Gators a substantial spine within the frontcourt, permitting them to play massive, expert lineups. After drawing curiosity within the 2025 draft, each are higher positioned for 2026.

Haugh’s capacity to play each ahead spots as a plus passer and rebounder makes him an interesting long-term position participant, although his superior age (22) and common 3-point capturing (34% final season) might cap how groups view his upside. Nonetheless, he is a fast processor who seems to be like a robust first-round guess.

The hope is Condon will be capable of make a extra constant offensive affect this season. NBA evaluators recognize his playmaking really feel, motor and mobility working in the midst of the ground. Showcasing a extra constant 3-point shot would assist his projection, however his protection offers him a strong base for a rotational heart as he continues to shine his abilities.

Fland and Lee are smaller guards who must additional show themselves. Fland performed simply 21 video games at Arkansas final season as a consequence of accidents, whereas Lee faces a giant leap into the SEC after three seasons at Princeton. Fland’s playmaking and Lee’s 3-point capturing will probably be key to Florida’s offense, although, and massive campaigns might enhance their NBA hopes. — Woo

High-50 gamers: Jayden Quaintance (No. 9)

Different professional prospects: Otega Oweh (No. 76), Jaland Lowe (No. 84), Kam Williams, Brandon Garrison, Jasper Johnson, Malachi Moreno, Mouhamed Dioubate

A completely wholesome Kentucky staff ought to be one of many deepest within the nation, with Quaintance the first prospect to observe. The Wildcats have a variety of gamers with professional potential, however most undertaking as second-rounders or back-end roster varieties at this stage.

Quaintance is slated to return midseason after tearing his ACL in February, transferring from Arizona State after getting into faculty a 12 months early. The 18-year-old heart showcased intriguing potential final season and piqued NBA curiosity whereas racking up steals (1.1 SPG) and blocks (2.6 BPG). Scouts will probably be anticipating his return to get a greater sense of his projection on the offensive finish as a rim runner and vertical spacer. Enhancing his leap shot will probably be pivotal, however his sturdy body, big wingspan and noteworthy defensive affect give him a pathway to the lottery.

Oweh and Lowe are Kentucky’s most skilled perimeter gamers. Oweh’s unorthodox capturing mechanics will probably be a troublesome promote for lots of scouts, however his vitality, protection and athleticism make him a prospect nonetheless. Lowe is a contact undersized at 6-1 and 170 kilos, however affords playmaking instincts and on-ball tempo on the level. He’ll be an enormous element on a staff that is in any other case gentle on creators.

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Otega Oweh fights off a number of defenders for a pleasant Kentucky bucket

Otega Oweh fights off a number of defenders for a pleasant Kentucky bucket

It is going to be intriguing to see which of Kentucky’s different gamers progress this season, and whether or not any can speed up their pathways to the NBA — Williams may be essentially the most intriguing long run, after a robust freshman 12 months at Tulane. — Woo

High-50 gamers: Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 15), Aday Mara (No. 30)

Different professional prospects: Morez Johnson Jr. (No. 60), Trey McKenney, L.J. Cason, Elliot Cadeau, Malick Kordel

If there’s one factor we find out about Dusty Could, it is that he is not afraid of distinctive frontcourt mixtures. He confirmed it final season by beginning 7-footers Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin subsequent to one another, utilizing Wolf as a playmaking fulcrum of Michigan’s offense. With each gamers gone, Could introduced in three reputable NBA prospects through the portal: Lendeborg, Mara and Johnson.

Lendeborg — one of the crucial productive frontcourt gamers within the nation the final two seasons at UAB — opted to return to varsity regardless of being projected as a first-round decide down the stretch of the 2025 draft course of. Could has been raving about deploying Lendeborg in artistic methods, even classifying him as a guard at Large Ten media day.

Mara generated important preseason buzz and is anticipated to construct on the flashes he confirmed the final two seasons at UCLA. Johnson was one of the crucial environment friendly bigs within the nation final season as a freshman at Illinois earlier than a damaged wrist slowed him down.

5-star freshman McKenney is a robust perimeter scorer, whereas Cason has been pegged as a sleeper prospect the final two preseasons. — Borzello

High-50 gamers: Tomislav Ivisic (No. 36)

Different professional prospects: Andrej Stojakovic (No. 68), Kylan Boswell (No. 75), Zvonimir Ivisic (No. 90), Keaton Wagler, David Mirkovic, Mihailo Petrovic

Illinois leaned closely into the worldwide route when placing this roster collectively and could have a brand-new take care of sending Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley into the NBA as one-and-done freshmen.

Tomislav Ivisic has rising NBA intrigue, with scouts hoping to see him construct on final season — his sheer dimension, capacity as a passer and environment friendly scoring give him position participant potential long run. His twin brother, Zvonimir, joins Illinois after transferring from Arkansas and might be within the second-round image if he can discover higher consistency.

Stojakovic transferred from Cal, giving the Illini an skilled wing to pair with Boswell, who returns for his senior season. Each have NBA position potential however want sturdy seasons to agency up their positions. Illinois will want them each to attain at a excessive degree.

NBA groups are additionally keeping track of unheralded freshman guard Wagler, who’s considered as a longer-term prospect however has impressed to date along with his unselfishness and really feel. He might wind up sticking as a starter if he adjusts easily. — Woo

BYU’s High-50 gamers: AJ Dybantsa (No. 2)

BYU’s different professional prospects: Richie Saunders (No. 70), Robert Wright III, Xavion Staton

Kevin Younger has made BYU a reputable menace on the recruiting path since taking cost in Provo, with No. 1 incoming freshman Dybantsa the crown jewel of the Cougars’ roster-building efforts over the past two seasons. Younger has constructed a possible Last 4 contender, and if that potential is realized, Dybantsa will probably be on the heart of it.

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AJ Dybantsa throws down highly effective dunk vs. Holy Cross Crusaders

AJ Dybantsa will get up for the gorgeous dunk

The 6-9 wing is a really elite offensive participant, able to scoring in any respect three ranges and getting his personal shot towards almost any defender within the sport. He’s an underrated passer and pick-and-roll operator who’s unstoppable within the open flooring. When locked in defensively, he can guard a number of positions and be a playmaker at that finish of the ground, too.

Surrounding Dybantsa on the perimeter are Saunders and Baylor switch Wright. Saunders broke out as an offensive focus in 2024-25, and the 24-year-old’s 3-point capturing capacity ought to be much more efficient with Dybantsa taking the eye of opposing defenses. Wright is working the present, and he’ll have the chance to showcase extra to NBA evaluators. He is solely 6-1 and made below one 3 per recreation final season, however he is a high-level playmaker who has been surrounded by elite expertise for many of the previous couple of seasons.

Staton may be a 12 months away, however he ought to make an early affect on the defensive finish as a rim protector. The offseason buzz out of Provo was optimistic. — Borzello