Early Impressions on the 2026 NBA Draft Class: Scouting Notebook 1.0
It’s truly the best time of year. College basketball is back, and the 2026 NBA Draft cycle is in full swing. There’s endless tape to consume and plenty to learn across the board. This will be the first installment of an ongoing series, where I’ll peel back the curtain on what I’m watching, thinking, and hearing.
Elite Freshmen Atop the Draft
It’d be journalistic malpractice to start anywhere else. The freshman class this year is star-studded. Our preseason top five prospects, Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer, Nate Ament, and Caleb Wilson, have all flashed brilliance for their respective teams early.
What defines each?
Darryn Peterson is surgical, with a polished skill set that’s more often exhibited by someone on their second NBA contract, not by someone who still receives homework.
AJ Dybantsa is oozing with upside, fitting the mold of the long, twitchy wing that all NBA teams covet. One who can create shots for himself and others, apply tremendous pressure in transition, and be an asset on the defensive end.
Cam Boozer is robotically productive and unwavering in his attack. He’s a bruising presence with a terrific feel for the game on both ends of the floor and a prolific winning pedigree.
Nate Ament is a 6-foot-10 shot-creating wing on an enticing late-blooming trajectory. The smooth shooting, impressive feel for the game, and significant growth he showcased throughout his grassroots career make him a captivating long-term upside swing.
Caleb Wilson is a long, flexible 6-foot-9 combo forward with a versatile two-way toolbox and budding skill set. The energy, activity, and enthusiasm he’s displayed early in Chapel Hill make his long-term outlook even more promising.
Labaron Philon and Alabama Take Over MSG
I made the trip to New York City to watch a terrific early-season clash between Alabama and St. John’s, headlined by potential lottery pick Labaron Philon.
The 6-foot-4 point guard, who turns 20 later this month, tested last year’s draft waters after a strong freshman campaign where he made a compelling one-and-done case with his playmaking, poise, and adaptability for Alabama in their Elite Eight run.
Known for his dynamic speed and playmaking in the open floor, it was actually the half-court where Philon shone brightest on Saturday. He put together the most complete offensive performance of his college career, finishing with 25 points and 3 assists on 10-of-18 shooting with a pair of triples.
The sophomore point guard broke down the Johnnies in every setting, from pick-and-rolls and closeouts to late-clock isolations and transition, using his tight handle, fluid athleticism, and flexibility to get downhill, decelerate abruptly, and finish through traffic with ambidexterity.
Much of the feedback Philon received from NBA teams during the draft process centered on his development as a three-point shooter. That will ultimately be one of the main variables in determining his long-term outlook as a pro. It’s too early to make a definitive statement on his growth, but one fair thing to note early is his increased confidence.
Through four games, he’s 8-of-16 from deep and has been more assertive hunting his shot both off the dribble and the catch. It’s also worth noting that his shot prep and form looked noticeably refined during his pregame workout. We’ll be eager to monitor his progress, but this was an encouraging performance, and Philon should be considered a lottery-contending prospect at this stage of the season.
Could Taylor Bol-Bowen shed “Sleeper” Status?
Taylor Bol-Bowen, a 6-foot-10 forward, has been somewhat of a sleeper lurking in the shadows over the years. He’s been on the preliminary radar since high school with Brewster Academy and on the EYBL circuit with Expressions, and later in the ACC for two seasons at Florida State, but he’s yet to make the firm leap to being a draftable prospect.
His performance vs St. John’s hinted he might be ready to take a leap this season for Nate Oats, in what’s quite honestly a perfect situation to showcase what he offers as a prospect. NBA teams are always in the market for length, defensive versatility, and shooting, and young players who embody all three traits usually earn considerable patience to develop.
Bowen was an X-factor in the Tide’s win over the Johnnies, putting up 17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks on 6-for-7 shooting. He kept it simple and flashed the qualities NBA teams admire with his fluidity covering ground defensively, activity on the glass, spot-up shooting, and straight-line attacks from the perimeter.
He should have every opportunity this season to emerge as a legitimate draft candidate in an ideal situational fit on a Final Four-contending team.
Sleeper Spotlight: Illinois may have one in Wagler
Illinois and freshman Keaton Wagler will face their first true test of the season tonight, taking on a Final Four-caliber Texas Tech team. Wagler, a late-blooming 6-foot-6 wing, has thoroughly impressed in the opening two contests of his freshman campaign after quietly generating some NBA buzz behind closed doors during the preseason in Champaign.
Players in Wagler's mold with positional size, length, and feel who can pass, dribble, and shoot are valued at a premium across the NBA. Especially 18-year-olds on the late-blooming arc that Wagler exhibits. If his early play is any indication of what’s to come in 2026, he’ll be well-positioned to walk across the stage and shake Adam Silver’s hand next June.
Our initial 2026 NBA Draft Big Board rankings will be released soon. Subscribe to see them first.