Anshari Taslim
History suggests that a strong collegiate season can significantly alter a player’s draft trajectory. In the summer of 2025, CBS Sports accurately identified several future stock risers for the 2026 NBA Draft, including Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz, and Alabama’s Labaron Philon, all of whom ultimately became first-round selections. Similarly, in 2024, South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles made a compelling case for lottery consideration after returning to school, eventually being drafted No. 9 overall by Toronto and delivering a standout rookie season.
While the 2027 NBA Draft class is not currently projected to possess the same historic depth at the very top as its 2026 predecessor, it is expected to feature numerous impact players throughout the first round. Early names frequently mentioned in scouting circles include UConn’s Braylon Mullins, Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II, and Alabama’s Amari Allen. The following ten players, however, are strategically positioned to make the most substantial gains in their draft stock, potentially transforming into coveted first-round selections if their 2026-27 campaigns unfold as planned.
Thomas Haugh | Florida | Forward
Related News :
- Jalen Brunson played through Knicks’ championship run with wrist injury, is scheduled for surgery
- NBA player prop picks, odds: Three best 2026 NBA Playoffs prop bets for Knicks vs. Cavaliers, Game 3
- Former NBA Player Damon Jones Enters Not Guilty Plea in Sweeping Gambling Conspiracy Investigation
- Los Angeles Lakers Initiate Major Front Office Changes, Dismissing Joey and Jesse Buss Post-Majority Stake Sale
- Basketball Pantheon Set to Enshrine Stoudemire, Rivers, Parker, Delle Donne, Few in Storied 2026 Class.
Haugh’s decision to return to the Florida Gators represented one of the most significant and unexpected retentions of the college basketball offseason. Widely projected as a top-20 pick had he declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, his return is an almost unprecedented move for a player of his caliber. Haugh is now the presumptive frontrunner for national player of the year honors and is poised to lead a Florida squad projected as the preseason top-ranked team in the nation. During the 2025-26 season, Haugh averaged 17.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, showcasing his versatility as a "Swiss Army knife" with the ability to impact all facets of the game. His exceptional court vision for his size, combined with improved perimeter shooting (38.5% from three on 4.5 attempts), solidified his potential. As the primary scoring option on a loaded Gators roster, Haugh has a strong case to ascend into the top-10 of the 2027 draft class, provided he demonstrates further refinement in his offensive repertoire and continues his high-level defensive contributions.
Braylon Mullins | UConn | Guard
Braylon Mullins is expected to be one of college basketball’s most recognizable figures in the upcoming season, largely due to his game-winning shot against Duke in the 2026 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. Mullins was already a serious NBA prospect, with projections placing him in the latter half of the first round of the 2026 draft. As a freshman in 2025-26, Mullins averaged 13.2 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals, demonstrating flashes of his heralded shooting ability. While his freshman three-point percentage (34.2%) did not fully reflect his reputation as a perimeter specialist, his clutch performances and deep range were evident. With an increased role as a primary offensive initiator for the Huskies in 2026-27, Mullins will have the opportunity to showcase improved shot creation, playmaking, and consistent perimeter efficiency, all of which are critical for solidifying a higher draft position.
Billy Richmond III | Arkansas | Guard/Forward
Billy Richmond III’s decision to return to Arkansas came on the final day of the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline, providing a crucial veteran presence for a young but deep Razorbacks roster. Richmond possesses the requisite size (6-7, 205 lbs) and explosive athleticism for the NBA level. His 2025-26 sophomore season saw him average 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals, primarily utilizing his athleticism for drives and defensive impact. However, a key area for development is his perimeter shooting; Richmond has attempted only 74 three-pointers across his first two collegiate seasons, connecting on just 23%. As a focal point on both ends of the floor for an inexperienced Arkansas squad, Richmond is expected to receive a "green light" on offense. A significant improvement in his shooting percentages, particularly from beyond the arc, coupled with continued development as a primary ball-handler and defender, would unequivocally position him as a Day 1 pick in the 2027 draft.
Alijah Arenas | USC | Guard
Alijah Arenas is anticipated to be one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2027 class. His freshman season at USC was impacted by a knee injury, delaying his debut. Upon his return for the final 14 games of the 2025-26 season, Arenas averaged an impressive 14.1 points in 27.6 minutes per contest, demonstrating his natural scoring prowess. He exhibited a diverse offensive skillset, capable of creating his own shot and scoring from multiple levels. However, his efficiency metrics, including a 41.5% field goal percentage and 31.8% from three-point range, indicate areas for improvement. Arenas will be a central figure on a formidable USC roster expected to contend in the Big Ten. His ability to refine his shot selection, enhance his playmaking for teammates, and improve his defensive engagement will be closely monitored by scouts as he aims to translate his scoring ability into more efficient production.
Patrick Ngongba II | Duke | Center
Patrick Ngongba II stands as Duke’s most notable returning player, part of a series of key retentions orchestrated by coach Jon Scheyer. After serving as a backup center on Duke’s 2025 Final Four team, Ngongba had a breakout sophomore campaign in 2025-26. He averaged 10.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, demonstrating significant growth and flashes of his potential as a future first-round pick. Ngongba is projected to anchor Duke’s defense in 2026-27, providing rim protection, rebounding, and interior scoring for a roster considered among the deepest in college basketball. While his offensive numbers may not be statistically overwhelming compared to some of his peers due to Duke’s talent distribution, his consistent impact as a high-IQ defender, strong rebounder, and efficient finisher around the basket will be paramount to his draft stock in 2027.
Milan Momcilovic | Kentucky | Guard/Forward
Milan Momcilovic was arguably the most high-profile transfer of the 2026 offseason, making the move to Kentucky. His transfer was largely predicated on his elite perimeter shooting, a skill set that is highly valued in today’s NBA. In the 2025-26 season at Iowa State, Momcilovic distinguished himself by shooting nearly 50% from the three-point line on over seven attempts per game, an exceptionally rare feat in college basketball. This proficiency positions him as arguably the best shooter in the collegiate ranks. His fit within Mark Pope’s offensive scheme at Kentucky, which emphasizes spacing and perimeter efficiency, is anticipated to be ideal. In early 2027 NBA mock drafts, Momcilovic has been projected towards the end of the first round. Maintaining his elite shooting percentages while demonstrating improved defensive activity and secondary playmaking could solidify his position as a first-round talent.
Amari Allen | Alabama | Guard/Forward
Amari Allen possesses the raw potential to emerge as a top-10 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, following a developmental trajectory similar to that of his former teammate, Labaron Philon. Philon, who was a likely early Day 2 pick in 2025, significantly boosted his stock after returning for his sophomore season and evolving into one of college basketball’s premier guards. Allen, like Philon, is expected to benefit from an additional year of collegiate experience. As a freshman in 2025-26, Allen averaged 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. His three-point shooting, at 34.1%, is an area slated for significant improvement as he transitions into Alabama’s primary offensive option in his sophomore campaign. An increased role, particularly in on-ball reps, will allow scouts to evaluate his decision-making, creation for others, and consistency as a perimeter scorer. His ability to capitalize on these opportunities will be crucial for his draft ascent.
Motiejus Krivas | Arizona | Center
Motiejus Krivas experienced a significant breakout during his junior season (2025-26) as a full-time starter for the Arizona Wildcats. He recorded career highs across nearly all statistical categories, contributing to Arizona’s first Final Four appearance in 25 years. His most notable leap occurred on the defensive end, where he averaged 1.9 blocks per game, establishing himself as a formidable rim protector and interior presence. Krivas also demonstrated improved offensive efficiency, averaging 11.2 points and 8.5 rebounds, largely through effective post play and finishing around the rim. Arizona is projected to be one of the nation’s elite defensive teams in 2026-27, with Krivas serving as the linchpin, effectively clogging the paint and altering opponents’ shots. His continued development as a defensive anchor and an efficient, high-motor big man will maintain his strong draft outlook.
Shelton Henderson | Miami | Forward
Shelton Henderson’s freshman season (2025-26) may have largely flown under the national radar despite his solid individual statistics. The former five-star forward, who initially committed to Duke before flipping to Miami following Jai Lucas’s hiring as head coach, emerged as the Hurricanes’ leading returning scorer. He averaged 13.8 points and 6.7 rebounds as a freshman, showcasing his athleticism and ability to score inside and in transition. Miami was one of the compelling narratives of the 2025-26 season, reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Lucas’s inaugural year. Henderson is poised for a major breakout campaign in 2026-27, with increased offensive opportunities expected. Scouts will be evaluating his development as a perimeter shooter, his ability to create his own shot consistently, and his defensive versatility against a wider range of opponents.
Tounde Yessoufou | St. John’s | Guard/Forward
Tounde Yessoufou delivered strong numbers as a freshman at Baylor in 2025-26, averaging 17.8 points and 5.9 rebounds. Despite his promising performance, he opted to return to college basketball for another season to enhance his draft stock. His subsequent commitment to St. John’s was an unexpected but potentially impactful addition to the Red Storm’s roster. Yessoufou possesses the physical tools and athleticism to make a substantial jump as a sophomore and contend for a lottery selection in 2027. His primary area for improvement is perimeter shooting; he connected on under 30% of his three-point attempts on over five attempts per game as a freshman. Yessoufou’s high-level rebounding for his size (6-5) and his ability to operate effectively as a power forward at the collegiate level highlight his unique skillset. Demonstrating a more consistent and efficient perimeter shot will be the most critical factor in his draft stock escalation.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
NBAAugust 4, 20262027 NBA Draft: 10 college prospects primed to boost pro stock after returning to school for next season
NBAAugust 4, 2026Peyton Watson’s Qualifying Offer: A Strategic Imperative for the Denver Nuggets Amidst Escalating Tax Concerns
NBAAugust 4, 2026NBA Offseason Review: Philadelphia Secures James, Cleveland Faces Challenging Summer Amidst League-Wide Roster Reconfigurations
NBAAugust 3, 2026Shifting Power: Eastern Conference Claims NBA Supremacy as Elite Talent Consolidates Eastward
Ali Akbar Rosady
arthur roy sitompul
Jonas Leo
