Freshman Standouts Shine in Openers, Elevating 2026 Draft Buzz

Early breakout games are already fueling projections of a freshmen-heavy 2026 NBA draft, according to Jeff Teague.

Overview

BYU’s A.J. Dybantsa led a 71-66 win over Villanova with 21 points on 9-of-18 shooting, adding six rebounds and three assists in his college debut.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson scored 21 points in 22 minutes in a 94-51 victory over Green Bay as Bill Self called him the most talented freshman he has coached.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer posted 15 points and 12 rebounds in a 75-60 win over Texas for a double-double in his first game.
North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson debuted with 22 points, including 14 on dunks, in a 94-54 win over Central Arkansas.
Former NBA guard Jeff Teague said this could be the best freshman group in years and suggested the first seven picks in the 2026 draft might be freshmen.