During the recent Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, NBA scouts gathered to evaluate emerging talents in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. Despite the absence of several prominent players, the event showcased numerous first-round prospects from 18 major-conference programs over three days.
Top Player Highlights
The top contenders for the draft include Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kansas’s Darryn Peterson. Although neither participated in this tournament, they are recognized for their standout performances this season.
- Cameron Boozer: Averaged 35 points in a Thanksgiving victory over Arkansas, demonstrating his offensive skills and playmaking abilities with a 39.6 Player Efficiency Rating (PER).
- Darryn Peterson: Impressed scouts with his electrifying play in a game against North Carolina, despite injury concerns.
Rising Wings in the Draft
Several wings are making headlines in the draft conversation, particularly three players who showcased their skills last week.
- AJ Dybantsa (BYU): Displayed inconsistent performances, scoring 18 points against Dayton after a lackluster game against Miami.
- Caleb Wilson (North Carolina): Known for his athleticism, Wilson had multiple highlight plays, including four dunks against Michigan State. His shooting skills need validation, with only two 3-pointers made this season.
- Nate Ament (Tennessee): A towering 6-foot-10 wing, Ament’s mix of highlight plays and variable performances left scouts intrigued. He has drawn numerous fouls, earning 62 free throw attempts but struggles with his shooting percentages.
Emerging Point Guards
Another potential lottery pick emerging is Kingston Flemings from Houston. Performing impressively, he scored 25 points in a game against Tennessee, showcasing excellent ball-handling and passing abilities. His shooting remains a question mark, but scouts have noted his ability to create plays.
Other Potential Prospects
Several additional players are worth noting as scouts prepare for the next draft cycle.
- LaBaron Philon Jr. (Alabama): Despite a brilliant scoring display of 29 points, questions about his shooting and point guard capabilities persist.
- Milo Uzan (Houston): A seasoned guard, Uzan’s shooting has been cold, but he remains a recognizable prospect after contributing to Houston’s championship run last season.
- Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State): Known for his impressive 3-point shooting, Momcilovic is gaining attention with solid shooting stats and production.
Conclusion
As the season progresses, scouts will continue to monitor these prospects closely during upcoming games. With upcoming matchups featuring top teams, players have opportunities to solidify their draft positions. The NBA community is eagerly awaiting how these emerging talents will perform in the coming weeks.
