As the Final Four tips off, the race for the top picks in the 2026 NBA Draft is heating up, with elite prospects like AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darryn Peterson at the center of the conversation. This deep and talented class has NBA teams in a fierce battle at the bottom of the standings, all vying for a chance to secure a franchise-changing player.

The draft landscape has seen a significant shift. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, once the presumptive favorite for the top spot, now faces questions after an inconsistent freshman season. While he has the talent to reclaim his position, his potential slide opens the door for others to rise.

Stepping into that void is BYU's dynamic forward, AJ Dybantsa, who has surged to become the new projected No. 1 pick. His blend of size, skill, and athleticism makes him the top prize in a class brimming with high-level talent. Not far behind is Duke's Cameron Boozer, who just completed a historic freshman campaign, cementing his status as a cornerstone big man for the next level.

Although Dybantsa and Boozer won't be playing in Indianapolis this weekend, the Final Four is a showcase for other first-round hopefuls. Illinois, led by freshman Keaton Wagler, faces a UConn squad featuring defensive anchor Tarris Reed and clutch performers Alex Karaban and Braylon Mullins. Meanwhile, the Arizona-Michigan showdown is a prospect bonanza, with players like Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, Morez Johnson, Brayden Burries, Koa Peat, and Motiejus Krivas all looking to boost their draft stock on the biggest stage.

With the tournament set to create new heroes and the pre-draft process looming, here’s a look at how the first round could unfold for the next generation of NBA stars.