College hoops is officially back Monday with games tipping off across the country. NBA fans looking to get some early scouting should know there are three guys who are in the mix to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
There’s still an entire college season ahead for all of them, so a lot can change between now and June. But all three players are considered extremely gifted in what could be a loaded draft at the top. Expectations are high for every kid, though it remains to be seen if the hype will last for the next several months.
As a bonus for Celtics fans, there’s another local kid mixed in there in BYU wing AJ Dybantsa. He’s going to get a lot of national attention with the Cougars ranked in the top-10 to start the year. Cooper Flagg, who’s from Maine, got plenty of love from the New England area as he starred for Duke last year. Now, Flagg is on the Mavericks after going No. 1 overall in the 2025 draft.
Here’s a look at the top-3 prospects to watch and keep an eye on for the season:
AJ Dybantsa, BYU, 6-foot-9 wing
Dybantsa is from Brockton and grew up a Celtics fan, as evidenced by his tweet cheering Boston on opening night. Local fans who want to watch Dybantsa live get a chance to do just that this season. The Cougars face a top-5 UConn team Nov. 15 at TD Garden in what will be a homecoming for Dybantsa. It remains to be seen how Dybantsa looks in the college game, but he spent a lot of time at the top of the high school rankings. He’s an athletic, lengthy wing who fits the prototype of what NBA teams are looking for at the next level.
First game: vs. Villanova at 9:30 p.m. Monday
Cameron Boozer, Duke, 6-foot-9 wing
The son of former NBA veteran Carlos Boozer, the younger Boozer has looked like a surefire top pick ever since his prep days. Duke gets another talented freshman, just like Flagg last year. Boozer is another wing who played plenty physical during his time in high school. He already turned heads when he scored 33 points against UCF in an exhibition game. As a bonus, Cameron has a twin brother, Cayden, who also plays for Duke as a guard.
First game: vs. Texas at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday
Darryn Peterson, Kansas, 6-foot-6 guard
Peterson isn’t a wing like the other two guys as his size and athleticism project as a combo guard at the next level. He ended up being ranked the top high school prospect by the end in some recruiting rankings. Peterson looks like an electric guard who can make plays with the ball in his hands. He also scored 26 points against Louisville in an exhibition game for Kansas, looking the part of lead guard.
First game: vs. Green Bay at 8 p.m. Monday
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