NBA mock draft 9.0: First-round projections before NCAA championship game

The NCAA men’s basketball championship game between the Michigan Wolverines and UConn Huskies will feature several players projected as first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.

While top picks including AJ Dybantsa as well as Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson were eliminated earlier during March Madness, the Final Four saw several star-studded prospects participate. Arizona freshmen Brayden Burries and Koa Peat as well as Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler were one win short of an appearance in the title game, but several other future NBA players will play for a chance to cut down the nets.

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In addition for a chance at a championship trophy, the title game between Michigan and UConn is also a wonderful opportunity to put on one more show in front of scouts during the Big Dance.

Note: Some highly-ranked players not included here who could potentially return to college include Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor), Alijah Arenas (USC), Meleek Thomas (Arkansas), Ebuka Okorie (Stanford) and Flory Bidunga (Kansas). But if these players decide to declare and stay in the draft, they could potentially warrant first-round consideration as well.

Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa

BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) drives against Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center.

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The Wizards have the second-worst offense in the NBA and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner. He emphasized that point during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances.

2. Indiana Pacers: Cameron Boozer 

Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron…

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Publish date : 2026-04-06 21:41:00

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