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.

Canton native and Kansas basketball recruit Darryn Peterson is highly regarded as a 2026 NBA Draft prospect. See where he is projected in mock drafts.

NBA Draft officially in the rearview mirror, front offices are shifting their attention to the vaunted 2026 draft class.