Pro ready: Top NBA prospects among 2026 March Madness players

Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAYWed, March 18, 2026 at 11:02 AM UTC

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One of the greatest sports events of the calendar year is set to tip off this week with the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments.

It’s the chance for hoops fans to see the intense drama of March Madness, but it’s also the chance for them to catch the future stars of pro basketball before they reach the next level.

And, on the men’s side, the 2026 NBA Draft is projected to be a deep class loaded with elite talent at the top. From the very top names like Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa to perhaps lesser known players like Bennett Stirtz.

Here are the top NBA prospects to watch in the men’s NCAA Tournament – ranked from most to least ready in each regional – and who their skills most compare to among current NBA players:

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1 / 0Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponentsOct. 26: The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past the Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili at the American Airlines Center.East RegionalG Darryn Peterson, Kansas

The most polished offensive player in the class, Peterson thrives best when the ball is in his hands so he can either create his own shot or distribute it in a play-making role. He’s a three-level scorer, though he may be most effective at the rim.

He has faced some lingering injury concerns with constant cramping and availability concerns, but Peterson is a plug-and-play threat, and the NCAA Tournament offers the chance to see him on the biggest stage.

NBA player comparison: Devin Booker

F Cameron Boozer, Duke

In terms of production, no player has been as dominant or consistent as Boozer, who is probably still undersized as an NBA center at 6-foot-9. Still, though he may lack explosive athleticism, Boozer does several things well on offense. He can bring the ball up the floor and handle it in the half-court. His footwork in the low block is tremendous, and he should be a massive threat in the NBA as a pick-and-roll.

And with Duke holding national title expectations, it will be fascinating to see how he responds to the added pressure.

NBA player comparison: Paolo Banchero

PG Mikel Brown, Jr., Louisville

It’s still unclear if Brown will actually play, as he has been dealing with a nagging back injury, but Cardinals coach Pat Kelsey said Monday, March 16 that Brown had “made great progress” leading up to this week. Back issues aside, Brown has solid size at 6-foot-5 for the position and has an excellent stroke from deep, though he could certainly emphasize efficiency in his scoring portfolio.

NBA player comparison: Tyrese Haliburton

SG Braylon Mullins, Connecticut

He missed some time early in the season with an ankle issue, but he has emerged as a solid perimeter guard for the Huskies with excellent size (6-foot-6) and catch-and-shoot ability. His 3-point shooting will be on display in the tournament, and it could help him rise up draft boards.

NBA player comparison: Tyler Herro

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West RegionalF AJ Dybantsa, Brigham Young

Dybantsa may be the purest scorer in the class, and one who doesn’t necessarily need assistance to get buckets. He’s blessed with tremendous size and length and has natural athleticism that appears effortless. He’ll still need to refine his jumpshot and ball-handling ability, but these are factors that can be trained.

He leads the country in scoring (25.3 points per game) and will need to carry the Cougars, who continue to be without Richie Saunders (torn anterior cruciate ligament).

NBA player comparison: Jayson Tatum

PG Darius Acuff, Jr., Arkansas

An asset in the half-court, Acuff is a player who can immediately slide into an NBA team to run point. He thrives in a score-first mentality, but his ability to knock down floaters or hit shots in tight spaces also opens up his play-making ability. He has solid vision and operates offense with excellent pace and body control.

He sometimes settles for jumpers when he can’t get past opponents, and his defense is a concern.

NBA player comparison: Keyonte George

G Brayden Burries, Arizona

Although he’s a touch undersized at 6-foot-4, he’s solidly built with a good frame. As the season progressed, Burries’ scoring productivity improved, and he consistently showed plus effort on the defensive side. At times, he appeared to push his jump shot, and some improvement with his perimeter jumper would go a long way.

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NBA player comparison: Quentin Grimes

F Koa Peat, Arizona

This is a case where a freshman may better serve his draft stock by returning for another season. Peat has had some inconsistent offensive performances, and much of that has been because of deference and a jumpshot that could use some improvement. Peat, though, is a high-energy athlete, one of the stronger prospects in the class, and he should only improve as he gets more experience.

NBA player comparison: Aaron Gordon

South Regional

*North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson is sidelined for the Tar Heels, after undergoing season-ending thumb surgery

PG Kingston Flemings, Houston

With his speed, improving scoring ability and effort on defense, Flemings might be the best natural point guard in the class. Though his shot may feature some unconventional mechanics, it’s hard to argue with the results. He thrives attacking downhill, but his lateral speed and length also help him deflect passes on defense.

NBA player comparison: De’Aaron Fox

G Keaton Wagler, Illinois

His range and perimeter shooting will get him instant playing time in the NBA. His size may make him a star. At 6-foot-6, Wagler has excellent length and is built for the modern game, and his 40.2% shooting from 3-point range should make him an instant asset, whether he plays point guard or shooting guard.

NBA player comparison: Cade Cunningham

F Thomas Haugh, Florida

A breakout player in his third season with the Gators, Haugh is a high-effort player who is better off the ball. He has a polished, versatile skill set, though the perimeter shot can be streaky, if not altogether average. He fits in at the NBA as a two-way forward who won’t be outworked on the floor. That should win over his eventual coaching staff.

NBA player comparison: Hebert Jones

PG Bennett Stirtz, Iowa

Though he’s not the most polished athlete, Stirtz possesses many of the operational qualities coaches want in a point guard. He can operate pick-and-rolls and sees the court extremely well. And he can also create his own shot, particularly along the perimeter. Defense, though, is a concern.

NBA player comparison: Fred VanVleet

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Midwest Regional

*Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance is expected to miss the NCAA Tournament, as he’s facing ongoing knee swelling following his return from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

F Nate Ament, Tennessee

After suffering a right ankle sprain, Ament returned to action in the SEC Tournament and should be poised to build off of that in the NCAA Tournament. He has tremendous size (6-foot-10) and length, and he’s a fluid athlete, though he sometimes doesn’t capitalize on that length and settles for jumpers. Either way, he has the build that NBA front offices prioritize in wing players.

NBA player comparison: Mikal Bridges

PG Christian Anderson, Texas Tech

Another player with effortless range and accuracy from 3, Anderson can shine both on and off the ball. His vision and distribution has improved significantly, as he went from 2.2 assists per game as a freshman to 7.6 this season.

NBA player comparison: Jamal Murray

F Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan

After withdrawing his name from consideration late in the draft process last season, Lendeborg has starred for Michigan, showing why he’s one of the more NBA-ready prospects in the country. Lendeborg has a well-rounded offensive skill set and used his strength and wingspan to defend a variety of players, including shiftier guards. He’s 23 years old, however, so that may lower his profile for some NBA teams, but the tournament provides a chance for him to back up Michigan’s title hopes.

NBA player comparison: Tari Eason

G Labaron Philon, Jr. Alabama

Dealing with some nagging injuries, Philon hasn’t been fully healthy, but he has played through discomfort. Coming back for his sophomore season was a wise choice; his field goal percentage jumped more than five points (50.9%, up from 45.2%) and his 3-point percentage really took off (40.2%, up from 31.5%). He’s a natural scorer and should find a steady role early in his NBA career, even if it’s off the bench.

NBA player comparison: Ayo Dosunmu

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NCAA Tournament March Madness players who are top prospects in NBA

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