The basketball world is buzzing as AJ Dybantsa, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, headlines a star-studded list of 73 players invited to this year's combine. Set to take place May 10-17 at Chicago's Wintrust Arena and Marriott Marquis, the event is a critical milestone for prospects aiming to make their mark on the league.
Selected by team executives through a voting process, this elite group represents the players with the highest potential to be drafted or signed as undrafted free agents following the two-night draft, which concludes on June 24. For fans and scouts alike, the combine offers a first-hand look at the future of basketball.
The week-long showcase will feature a full slate of activities designed to test every aspect of a player's game. Expect intense 5-on-5 scrimmages, strength and agility testing, precise shooting drills, and detailed measurements. It's a high-stakes environment where prospects can dramatically boost their draft stock by competing against the best of their peers.
This year marks the third consecutive combine where participation in drills and scrimmages is mandatory under the collective bargaining agreement. Prospects who skip key portions without valid reasoning risk being ruled ineligible for the draft, adding an extra layer of pressure to an already competitive field.
In an exciting expansion, the combine will also welcome a select group of standouts from the G League draft combine, scheduled for May 8-10 at the same venue. Last year, players like Yanic Konan Niederhäuser and Ryan Nembhard used this pathway to earn their spots, proving the depth of talent emerging from the developmental league.
Among the invited prospects, several are testing the predraft waters while still eligible to return to college. With the early entry withdrawal deadline set for May 27, these players will use the combine to gather critical feedback from teams about their draft stock, making every drill and conversation count.
As the countdown to the draft begins, all eyes will be on Chicago for what promises to be a defining week in the 2026 NBA Draft journey.