"The onset of the 2025-26 men's college basketball season brings with it the debut of arguably the strongest NCAA freshman class in the past half-decade and a wave of excitement around the loaded 2026 draft class. NBA scouts have crisscrossed the country for early looks at these players, heading into a rich national nonconference college slate in November and December featuring some huge prospect matchups. If the early returns are indicative, there are real implications for how NBA teams might decide to navigate the season."
"This is presently regarded as one of the deeper drafts in recent memory, with a host of talented newcomers joined by a strong group of returners who opted to stay in college, thanks in large part to the way NIL salaries have shaped the financial landscape for players. With that, here are ESPN's top 100 rankings for the 2026 draft"
"The debates about which prospect should be the No. 1 pick are already unfolding around the NBA. I've had this conversation with many around the league since last spring, and right now it's Peterson who has the loudest argument. He's continued to back that up with his play coming off a dominant senior year of high school, and there frankly just hasn't been much for scouts to nitpick."
The 2025-26 men's college basketball season introduces arguably the strongest NCAA freshman class in years and a loaded 2026 draft class. NBA scouts have traveled nationwide to evaluate prospects ahead of a national nonconference slate with key matchups in November and December. A top group led by Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer has heightened the significance of lottery night, intensified a tanking race among franchises, and positioned Peterson as a leading No. 1 candidate after a dominant high school season and early college play with few scouting criticisms. The 2026 class combines talented newcomers with returners who stayed in college supported by NIL salaries.
Read at ESPN.com
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