Is it an issue if the NBA Draft features too many talented players?
In a first-world context, yes, and we’re observing several reasons for this phenomenon this season. Primarily, this draft class is so abundant with talent that some standout players are bound to be overlooked. This could lead to those players being selected much later in the draft or delaying their professional aspirations a year while they pursue NIL opportunities, depending on their situation.
The potential depth of the 2026 draft class evokes memories of 2018, a year filled with talent like Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Trae Young, Mikal Bridges, and Jaren Jackson Jr. This influx pushed many skilled upperclassmen further down the draft board.
The talent pool was so extensive that players like Jalen Brunson, Mitchell Robinson, Gary Trent Jr., De’Anthony Melton, and Bruce Brown were pushed into the second round, while Duncan Robinson, Kenrich Williams, and Gabe Vincent went undrafted. The introduction of NIL has altered this dynamic; underclassmen unlikely to make the top 35 can now opt for significant financial support from major programs instead of entering the draft.
Moreover, the college landscape has shifted, with fewer potential NBA talents at mid- to low-major schools due to the poaching of players by power-conference institutions after just one or two seasons. For instance, Ja Morant chose not to return to Murray State for his sophomore year, attracted instead by lucrative NIL offers from larger conferences.
Still, I believe there are a few NBA-worthy players within the mid-major ranks who could make an impact in the 2026 or 2027 drafts. This is an opportune moment to highlight some upperclassmen and power-conference players I think are not receiving adequate attention.
With that context, let’s dive into nine players deserving more notice as we approach March Madness—consisting of four mid-major talents, three upperclassmen from high-major conferences, one surprising freshman, and two intriguing deep sleepers with unique circumstances. All statistics referenced are current as of Friday, March 6.
Allen Graves, 6-9 Soph. PF, Santa Clara
Another prospect from Santa Clara? Despite not appearing in the NCAA Tournament for 30 years, the school has produced talents like Steve Nash and Jalen Williams. Graves stands out as a notable deep sleeper, gaining traction as more teams take notice of his performance. However, he may not enter this draft, potentially opting for high-major opportunities instead.
