The early perception of 2026 is that it is a very strong class, not just at the very top where names like Dybantsa, Peterson and Boozer are already well known to NBA decision-makers, but also with the total depth of the class, after several fringe first-rounders returned to the college ranks in this cycle because of the allure of NIL.

The NBA has had Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg as obvious No. 1 overall draft picks in recent years. AJ Dybantsa has been headed toward that status for 2026.