With only four days remaining before the 2026 NBA Draft, fresh developments around several top prospects have created new intrigue at the top of the board. A newly released CBS Sports first-round mock draft from analyst Isaac Trotter has reignited debate over who will hear their name called first and which franchises could make unexpected moves when draft night finally arrives.
The biggest headline remains at No. 1, where BYU superstar AJ Dybantsa is projected to land with the Washington Wizards. After entering college as the nation’s top-ranked recruit, Dybantsa delivered one of the most productive freshman seasons in recent NCAA history, strengthening his grip on the top spot despite growing competition from other elite prospects.
According to the projection, the first 10 picks could be dominated entirely by college freshmen, highlighting the extraordinary strength of this year’s recruiting class. Even more striking, 29 of the projected 30 first-round selections played college basketball during the 2025-26 season, a dramatic contrast from last year’s draft, which featured six international first-round picks.
The latest mock draft also suggests several franchises remain locked in difficult decisions, particularly among the top three selections. While Dybantsa appears to have separated himself from the field, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and Duke forward Cameron Boozer continue battling for position among the draft’s elite tier.
As the countdown to draft night accelerates, here’s a closer look at how the projected first round currently stands.
AJ Dybantsa Strengthens Grip on No. 1 Overall Selection
The Washington Wizards are projected to select AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick after an unforgettable freshman campaign at BYU.
Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points per game, leading the nation in scoring while producing 894 total points, the third-highest single-season scoring total ever recorded by a freshman in NCAA history. He also shattered 19 BYU freshman records and earned Consensus All-American honors along with First Team All-Big 12 recognition and Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
His dominance only intensified late in the season. Dybantsa scored at least 20 points in each of his final 14 games and exploded for 40 points during BYU’s NCAA Tournament first-round loss to Texas.
Reports indicate Dybantsa met with Washington’s leadership group in mid-June and received strong indications that he remains the franchise’s preferred choice at No. 1.
Darryn Peterson’s Situation Adds Intrigue at No. 2
Kansas freshman sensation Darryn Peterson is projected to go second overall to the Utah Jazz, although reports suggest the situation may not be straightforward.
Peterson averaged 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds despite battling injuries and cramping issues throughout the season. He earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors and a spot on the conference’s All-Freshman Team.
The Ohio native recorded 12 games with at least 20 points and delivered 28 points during Kansas’ NCAA Tournament victory over Cal Baptist.
However, reports indicate Peterson’s camp would prefer landing either with Washington at No. 1 or Memphis at No. 3, potentially creating uncertainty if Utah remains committed to selecting him at No. 2.
Cameron Boozer Continues Historic Rise
Should Peterson go second, Duke star Cameron Boozer is projected to join the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3.
Boozer enjoyed a spectacular freshman season, averaging 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds while recording 22 double-doubles. He became just the 14th player in Duke history to win National Player of the Year honors and helped guide the Blue Devils to a 35-3 record and a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed.
Despite Duke’s heartbreaking 73-72 Elite Eight loss to UConn, Boozer’s stock has remained remarkably strong. Reports suggest Memphis would be comfortable selecting either Peterson or Boozer depending on who remains available.
Caleb Wilson Emerges as Chicago’s Favorite
At No. 4, North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson is projected to land with the Chicago Bulls.
Wilson averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds before a broken thumb prematurely ended his season. Even with the injury, he earned Consensus All-American honors, First Team All-ACC recognition and a place on the ACC All-Freshman Team.
One of his most memorable performances came during North Carolina’s upset victory over Duke, where he scored 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting.
League insiders reportedly expect Chicago to make Wilson its choice if he remains available.
Illinois Freshman Becomes One of Draft’s Biggest Risers
Few players improved their stock more dramatically than Illinois guard Keaton Wagler.
Entering college as a three-star recruit, Wagler transformed himself into a projected top-five selection after averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists while helping Illinois reach its first Final Four since 2005.
His 39.7% shooting from three-point range drew comparisons to Stephen Curry, and he captured Consensus All-American honors along with Big Ten Freshman of the Year recognition.
The latest projection places him with the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 5.
Darius Acuff Jr. Headlines Talented Guard Class
Arkansas star Darius Acuff Jr. is projected to go sixth overall to the Brooklyn Nets after one of the most dominant seasons in SEC history.
The reigning SEC Player of the Year averaged 23.5 points, 6.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds. He became the first SEC player since Pete Maravich during the 1969-70 season to lead the conference in both scoring and assists.
Arkansas coach John Calipari recently praised Acuff’s potential, warning NBA teams they could regret passing on the explosive point guard.
Remaining Top-10 Projections
The rest of the projected top 10 includes several highly regarded freshmen:
No. 7 — Sacramento Kings: Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
Brown averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists despite injuries limiting him to 21 appearances.
No. 8 — Atlanta Hawks: Kingston Flemings, Houston
Flemings averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 assists and 4.1 rebounds while helping Houston secure a No. 2 NCAA Tournament seed.
No. 9 — Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, Arizona
Burries averaged 16.1 points and played a major role in Arizona’s first Final Four appearance since 2001.
No. 10 — Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament, Tennessee
Ament posted 16.7 points and 6.3 rebounds while leading Tennessee to a third consecutive Elite Eight appearance.
Notable Picks Outside the Top 10
Several familiar college stars are projected to hear their names called later in the first round.
Michigan center Aday Mara is projected to join the Golden State Warriors at No. 11, while Iowa standout Bennett Stirtz lands at No. 19 with the Toronto Raptors.
Other notable projected first-round selections include Yaxel Lendeborg (Miami Heat), Jayden Quaintance (San Antonio Spurs), Koa Peat (Philadelphia 76ers), Karim Lopez (New York Knicks), Tarris Reed Jr. (Los Angeles Lakers) and Isaiah Evans (Dallas Mavericks).
Draft Night Drama Still Ahead
While AJ Dybantsa appears to be the favorite to become the No. 1 overall pick, plenty of uncertainty remains throughout the rest of the lottery.
Questions surrounding Darryn Peterson’s preferred destinations, Memphis’ flexibility at No. 3, and several franchises searching for franchise-changing talent ensure that draft night could still deliver major surprises.
With elite freshmen dominating the board and multiple teams weighing difficult decisions, the final days before the 2026 NBA Draft may prove just as fascinating as the event itself. The only certainty right now is that one of the deepest freshman classes in recent memory is about to reshape the NBA’s future.
