NBA Draft: Early look at top 10 prospects of 2026

ESPN’s Jeremy Woo released his first top 10 for the 2026 NBA Draft. It is incredibly early, given that the college season just opened, but this is the first real snapshot of how evaluators view the field.

1. Darryn Peterson (Kansas)

Woo calls Peterson one of the most dynamic downhill guards to enter college since Derrick Rose. He is physical, explosive, defends and already looks comfortable as a perimeter shooter. Kansas will keep the ball in his hands, and he is viewed as the early favorite for No. 1.

(Disclaimer: I am rooting mightily for Peterson, as I’m a CVCA alum and that is where his high school career began.)

2. AJ Dybantsa (BYU)

Dybantsa was considered the likely first pick for most of last year. He has size, power and a frame built for NBA driving lanes, plus disruption potential on defense. The push for him is consistency and showing the best version of himself more often.

3. Cameron Boozer (Duke)

Boozer is productive and polished and projects as one of the most ready-made players in this freshman class. The concern is ceiling because he is less explosive and more strength-based than Peterson and Dybantsa. Duke will run offense through him and that will give him a chance to flip that narrative.

4. Nate Ament (Tennessee)

Ament is viewed more through upside than present form. He is long, mobile and can shoot it with real touch. Scouts want to see whether his handle and strength increase quickly enough to keep him in the top tier.

5. Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)

Wilson opened strong and fits the modern big blueprint as a switchable defender who moves the ball and plays with energy. The jumper and self-creation will decide whether he is a primary scorer or a high-end complementary piece.

6. Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville)

Brown grew late and now has size to match his pull-up shooting and pace control. He must improve his decision-making and defend more consistently. The upside for a lead guard is clearly there.

7. Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston)

Cenac is long, mobile and offers rim protection that teams covet. He is still raw offensively and will need to tighten up strength and finishing in traffic. The physical tools can keep him in the lottery conversation all year.

8. Koa Peat (Arizona)

Peat is productive and competitive with a strong sense of who he is as a player. His ceiling hinges on improvement as a shooter. Arizona will give him a big role and a chance to force his way up this board.

9. Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky)

Quaintance returns after flashing elite block and interior playmaking numbers last season at Arizona State. Kentucky is slow-playing his ACL return. If the shot improves even a little, he rises.

10. Dame Sarr (Duke)

Sarr profiles as a versatile, defensive wing with plus size. The scoring load will not be heavy at Duke, but the tools are there for a two-way wing with long-term value. Scouts want to see whether the shooting locks in.

For the record, Kansas faces Duke on Nov. 18. That means Peterson vs. Boozer soon, which will give this race an early real-world test.

You can check out Woo’s complete and extensive prospect list right here.