Category: Basketball

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Texas's Dailyn Swain is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Guard-Forward's draft night will play out.

Dailyn Swain 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 30 overall, Dallas Mavericks

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason, Dailyn Swain has become one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributes a little bit of everything for the Longhorns on both sides of the ball, scoring well both in the paint and on fastbreaks. Another element that is notably compelling is that Swain is efficient one-on-one in isolation against his defenders.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Dailyn Swain player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Guard-Forward
• Current Team: Texas
• 17.7 points per game
• 7.6 rebounds per game
• 3.4 assists per game
• 54.3% field goal percentage
• 34.5% three-point field goal percentage

Dallas Mavericks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 6, No. 30 (via OKC) and No. 50 (via PHX)

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dailyn Swain NBA mock draft projection: Where Texas star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr.  is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.

Mikel Brown Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 9 overall, Chicago Bulls

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Chicago Bulls need to simply draft the best player available with whatever pick they have and will likely keep Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and is among the freshmen leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9 while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc, before getting hurt on Feb. 28.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Mikel Brown Jr. player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Louisville
• 18.2 points per game
• 3.3 rebounds per game
• 4.7 assists per game
• 41.0% field goal percentage
• 34.4% three-point field goal percentage

Chicago Bulls 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 9, No. 37 (via NOP) and No. 51 (via DEN)

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mikel Brown Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Louisville star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Duke's Cameron Boozer is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.

Cameron Boozer 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 3 overall, Sacramento Kings

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

He is projected here at No. 3 overall, but depending on which team gets the No. 1 overall pick, Duke freshman Cameron Boozer is potentially the top player in the class. The Kings have the second-worst offense in the Western Conference and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting Boozer, who was arguably the best player in college basketball during his first NCAA season. The ACC Player of the Year isnt a human highlight reel but his statistical profile jumps off the page by virtually any metric and he is nothing short of a dominant paint scorer. Boozer offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set. More importantly, he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team in college.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Cameron Boozer player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: Duke
• 22.5 points per game
• 10.2 rebounds per game
• 4.2 assists per game
• 56.5% field goal percentage
• 40.9% three-point field goal percentage

Sacramento Kings 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 2, No. 32 and No. 43 (via CHA)

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cameron Boozer NBA mock draft projection: Where Duke star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Duke's Patrick Ngongba II is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the center's draft night will play out.

Patrick Ngongba II 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 23 overall, Los Angeles Lakers

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Lakers could use a big man like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a driving perimeter player. Ngongba is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space as one of the most prolific cutters in college basketball. He is on an encouraging development track, displaying year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Patrick Ngongba II player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Center
• Current Team: Duke
• 10.7 points per game
• 6 rebounds per game
• 1.9 assists per game
• 60.2% field goal percentage
• 27.6% three-point field goal percentage

Los Angeles Lakers 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 25

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Ngongba II NBA mock draft projection: Where Duke star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, North Carolina's Henri Veesaar  is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the center's draft night will play out.

Henri Veesaar 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 29 overall, Cleveland Cavaliers

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

We have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar after transferring from Arizona to North Carolina. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. The All-ACC big man is scoring efficiently at the rim (especially when cutting or rolling) and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes on an expedited timeline, like the Cavaliers, will have him high on their priority list.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Henri Veesaar player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Center
• Current Team: North Carolina
• 16.7 points per game
• 8.7 rebounds per game
• 2 assists per game
• 61.4% field goal percentage
• 42.0% three-point field goal percentage

Cleveland Cavaliers 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 29 (via SAS)

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Henri Veesaar NBA mock draft projection: Where North Carolina star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Arkansas's Darius Acuff Jr.  is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.

Darius Acuff Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 6 overall, Dallas Mavericks

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Now led by Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks need to find players who can help Dallas stay competitive on offense and Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. can do exactly that. The SEC Player of the Year is excellently efficient at operating ball screens or in isolation. He leads freshmen for points created per 40 minutes (43.1) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. He can score well from either side of the court and is among the freshmen leaders in both alley-oop assists (15) and field goals made in transition (62) this season. There is a reason rival coach Sean Miller thinks this generational guard should have his name in the mix at No. 1 overall.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Darius Acuff Jr. player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Arkansas
• 22.9 points per game
• 3.2 rebounds per game
• 6.5 assists per game
• 48.6% field goal percentage
• 44.5% three-point field goal percentage

Dallas Mavericks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 6, No. 30 (via OKC) and No. 50 (via PHX)

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Darius Acuff Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Arkansas star is expected to land

When the Boston Celtics passed through San Antonio on March 10, former teammates Derrick White and Luke Kornet reconnected.

This season, White and his college roommate Alex Welsh launched the White Noise Podcast. Together, they tell stories from their time together at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs as well as highlighting aspects of White’s professional career.

In this, Episode 24, White and Welsh sat with Kornet at the Spurs practice facility and discussed a variety of basketball topics including Kornet’s moves to San Antonio, playing with Victor Wembanyama, and Luke’s transition away from being a three-point shooter.

Kornet and White have a great rapport, they riff off one another leading to some humorous anecdotes. At one point, White asks Kornet how he feels about losing his starting spot to Victor Wembanyama. The exchange underscores Kornet’s quick wit and self-effacing nature.

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Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.

Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.

Yaxel Lendeborg 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 8 overall, Memphis Grizzlies

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Grizzlies could add to their rebuilding core after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. by selecting Yaxel Lendeborg, who is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Big Ten Player of the Year offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. The Grizzlies have drafted players with similar trajectories like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Yaxel Lendeborg player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: Michigan
• 17.7 points per game
• 7 rebounds per game
• 3.2 assists per game
• 50.9% field goal percentage
• 35.3% three-point field goal percentage

Memphis Grizzlies 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 8, No. 19 (via ORL) and No. 31 (via IND)

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yaxel Lendeborg NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr. is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.

Morez Johnson Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 25 overall, New York Knicks

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Morez Johnson Jr. player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: Michigan
• 13.1 points per game
• 7.2 rebounds per game
• 1.1 assists per game
• 62.8% field goal percentage
• 37.9% three-point field goal percentage

New York Knicks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 26, No. 33 (via WAS) and No. 56

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Morez Johnson Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Houston's Kingston Flemings is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.

Kingston Flemings 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 5 overall, Utah Jazz

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Jazz currently have the worst defensive rating in the league but could potentially improve that by selecting Houston freshman Kingston Flemings. The All-Big 12 guard has several games when he has recorded at least three steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24 and had a strong performance against Baylor, recording 21 points with seven assists and two steals on March 4. With highs as high as his thus far, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Kingston Flemings player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Houston
• 16.4 points per game
• 3.9 rebounds per game
• 5.3 assists per game
• 47.5% field goal percentage
• 39.2% three-point field goal percentage

Utah Jazz 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 5

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kingston Flemings NBA mock draft projection: Where Houston star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, BYU's A.J. Dybantsa  is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.

A.J. Dybantsa 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 1 overall, Indiana Pacers

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The race for the No. 1 pick is a tight one, but if the Pacers get the pick, the most likely candidate is AJ Dybantsa. Even though he has flirted with the idea of returning to college, he is the perfect missing piece (around Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac) for this roster. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year leads the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star became the youngest player in NCAA history with a 30-point triple-double against Eastern Washington on Dec. 22. Highlighted by his 43-point performance against in-state rival Utah on Jan. 24 and 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10, he has averaged 28.4 points per game over his last 16 appearances.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

A.J. Dybantsa player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: BYU
• 25.3 points per game
• 6.7 rebounds per game
• 3.8 assists per game
• 51.3% field goal percentage
• 34.0% three-point field goal percentage

Indiana Pacers 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 1

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A.J. Dybantsa NBA mock draft projection: Where BYU star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Illinois' Keaton Wagler is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.

Keaton Wagler 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 7 overall, Atlanta Hawks

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

After trading away Trae Young, the Hawks could find their point guard of the future in Illinois standout Keaton Wagler using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans. The 19-year-old guard scored 46 points while shooting 9-of-11 on 3-pointers against No. 12 Purdue on Jan. 24. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 41.0 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman this year. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year is a cerebral basketball player who is also averaging 4.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game this season.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Keaton Wagler player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Illinois
• 17.9 points per game
• 4.8 rebounds per game
• 4.4 assists per game
• 44.6% field goal percentage
• 40.2% three-point field goal percentage

Atlanta Hawks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 7 (via NOP), No. 22 (via CLE) and No. 57 (via BOS)

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Keaton Wagler NBA mock draft projection: Where Illinois star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner  is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.

Tyler Tanner 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 28 overall, Minnesota Timberwolves

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

It is unusual to find a 6-foot sophomore projected in the first round of a mock draft, but if there were ever a player who has earned that kind of praise it's Tyler Tanner. Despite his size, the All-SEC guard has found meaningful ways to contribute on both sides of the floor. He can score efficiently, dunk, block shots, steal the ball, and he is more than serviceable as a floor general capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the Timberwolves. His performance on March 3 against Ole Miss included 34 points (3-of-6 on 3-pointers), five rebounds, seven assists and five steals. It was his second performance with at least 30 points in a 30-day stretch.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Tyler Tanner player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Vanderbilt
• 19.1 points per game
• 3.6 rebounds per game
• 5.1 assists per game
• 49.0% field goal percentage
• 37.2% three-point field goal percentage

Minnesota Timberwolves 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 28 (via DET) and No. 59 (via SA)

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tyler Tanner NBA mock draft projection: Where Vanderbilt star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Michigan's Aday Mara is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the center's draft night will play out.

Aday Mara 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 27 overall, Boston Celtics

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

As the Celtics continue to exceed expectations, they do have some holes to fill in their frontcourt after losing both Kristaps Porzi??is And Al Horford. After selecting Hugo Gonzlez from Spain in the draft last season, they could potentially target his former FIBA U18 European Championship tournament teammate Aday Mara. The 7-foot-3 big man who transferred from UCLA is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempt 18.7 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is on the court, per CBB Analytics, the second-lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Aday Mara player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Center
• Current Team: Michigan
• 11.6 points per game
• 6.9 rebounds per game
• 2.3 assists per game
• 67.4% field goal percentage
• 25.0% three-point field goal percentage

Boston Celtics 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 27 and No. 40 (via MIL)

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aday Mara NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, North Carolina's Caleb Wilson is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.

Caleb Wilson 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 4 overall, Brooklyn Nets

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

It was devastating news to learn North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson would miss the NCAA mens basketball tournament with a broken thumb. Wilson, who also suffered a hand fracture earlier in the season, did more than enough to earn this placement though. After the Nets took five bites at the apple in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft last season, they could fill in the rest of the puzzle of their roster by adding the All-ACC big man. Before the injury, via Bart Torvik, the freshman led the nation with 67 dunks recorded. He was also the only player under 20 years old to reach thresholds of 2.5 percent for both block and steal percentage while also notching a defensive rebound percentage above 20.0 percent.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Caleb Wilson player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: North Carolina
• 19.8 points per game
• 9.4 rebounds per game
• 2.7 assists per game
• 57.8% field goal percentage
• 25.9% three-point field goal percentage

Brooklyn Nets 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 4, No. 34 and No. 44 (via LAC)

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Caleb Wilson NBA mock draft projection: Where North Carolina star is expected to land