Lost in the Freshman Frenzy: Three Non-Freshmen NBA Scouts Can’t Ignore in 2026

The Case for Swain, Ngongba II, and Carr as Safer First-Round Investments

In a draft cycle dominated by hype, projection, and shiny new names, it’s easy to forget that real NBA value often comes from players who have already been tested, challenged, and refined.

It’s no secret that the 2026 NBA Draft is loaded with freshman talent. At the top are players with legitimate All-Star and All-NBA upside in Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, Duke’s Cameron Boozer, and BYU’s AJ Dybantsa. Those three have been the consensus picks to hear their names called first in June. While we don’t yet know the exact order, it’s safe to say they sit firmly atop draft boards—at least at this point in the season.

Then there’s the next crop of freshmen who have had their moments while making strong cases to be lottery picks. We’ve seen dynamic point guard play from Houston’s Kingston Flemings and Arkansas’ Darius Acuff. Caleb Wilson is making his case to be the highest-drafted North Carolina Tar Heel since Harrison Barnes went seventh overall in 2012. Rising up draft boards out of virtually nowhere has been Illinois guard Keaton Wagler. Not to mention Tennessee’s Nate Ament, Arizona’s Koa Peat, and Louisville’s Mikel Brown. There’s an argument that this is the most talented freshman class in years.

With so much attention rightfully paid to the youngsters, several talented upperclassmen or sophomores are still flying under the radar—players I believe have untapped potential. Yes, you can still get better even if you aren’t a one-and-done.

Jaylon Tyson played three years of college basketball and would likely be selected higher than some younger prospects picked ahead of him if the 2024 Draft were redone. From that same class, a similar argument could be made for the 38th pick, Ajay Mitchell.

The draft is always a crapshoot, and perceived upside often goes unfulfilled.

So why not talk about some safer bets among experienced players?