Dybantsa, Boozer, Wilson Lead Elite Forward Class in 2026 NBA Draft

BYU's AJ Dybantsa has solidified his status as the consensus favorite for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, headlining an exceptional forward class that includes Duke's Cameron Boozer and North Carolina's Caleb Wilson. All three freshmen earned All-American honors from the Associated Press, with Dybantsa named to the first team and Wilson to the second team. Boozer notably became only the fifth freshman named AP Men's National Player of the Year, underscoring the quality of this forward cohort alongside Kansas guard Darryn Peterson.

Dybantsa, standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 217 pounds, delivered a standout season averaging a national-leading 25.5 points per game while shooting 51% from the field. He also contributed 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists, showcasing the ability to create his own shot and draw fouls at an elite rate—leading the nation with 229 made free throws on 296 attempts. His scoring prowess included a BYU freshman record of 43 points against Utah and 40 points in a Big 12 Tournament game against Kansas State, surpassing Kevin Durant's freshman tournament record. Against top-10 opponents, Dybantsa averaged 26.9 points across seven games. However, his three-point shooting remains a concern at 33.1%, including a notable decline to 27.3% over the final month. He also averaged 3.1 turnovers per game, an area needing improvement.

Cameron Boozer, a 6-foot-8, 253-pound prospect and son of former Duke and NBA player Carlos Boozer, established himself as a reliable interior presence. He averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 55.6% from the field and 78.9% from the free throw line, often finishing through contact. Boozer shot 39.1% from three-point range and proved an effective passer with 4.1 assists, demonstrating the ability to initiate offense from the high post. Yet evaluators note he is not an explosive athlete, relying instead on strength and positioning, which could prove problematic against elite rim protectors and quicker defenders.

Caleb Wilson of North Carolina presents a different profile: the 6-foot-9, 211-pound freshman combined explosive athleticism, a 7-foot wingspan, and relentless motor to average 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds. He thrived at the rim and in transition, leading the nation with 66 dunks before suffering injuries in February and March. Wilson's standout performances included 24 points against Kansas and 23 points against Duke, though his three-point range at 25.9% and defensive consistency require development. The injuries sustained late in the season may impact his pre-draft evaluation.

Together, Dybantsa, Boozer, and Wilson represent the elite tier of forward prospects entering the 2026 NBA draft's first round, with each bringing distinct skill sets and areas for refinement as they prepare for professional basketball.