The 2026 NBA Draft is set for Tuesday, June 23, in Brooklyn, and this year's class is shaping up to be one of the deepest in recent memory. While national media focuses on the top tier of prospects, Iowa basketball fans have plenty of reasons to pay attention. Several local standouts from the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones have landed on NBC Sports' top 75 big board, proving that the state remains a strong incubator for professional talent.
Who Are the Top Prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft?
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa sits at the top of the board thanks to a rare blend of size, athleticism, and skill. He is followed by Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson. The Washington Wizards hold the first overall pick, and Dybantsa is widely considered the best fit alongside their newly acquired point guard, Trae Young.
Peterson's camp has made a late push for the top spot, but questions about his availability during his college career linger. Boozer offers a reliable high floor, while Wilson's ceiling keeps him in the elite conversation despite an injury that cut his freshman season short. Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. rounds out the top five after a sensational season in the SEC.
How Do Iowa and Iowa State Prospects Stack Up?
Hawkeye fans will be thrilled to see guard Bennett Stirtz ranked No. 22 on the big board. Stirtz is praised as an experienced player with a high basketball IQ who can immediately impact winning at the professional level. His steady presence and court awareness make him a reliable target for teams looking for backcourt stability.
Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson comes in right behind Stirtz at No. 24. Like Stirtz, Jefferson brings valuable experience and a strong understanding of the game. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes him an attractive option for franchises wanting players who can step in and contribute without a steep learning curve.
Cyclone fans have another name to watch in the second round. Guard Tamin Lipsey ranks No. 56 on the board. NBC Sports highlights Lipsey as one of the best on-ball defenders in the entire draft class. He also proved he can effectively run a team during his time in Ames, making him a solid, hard-nosed prospect who can disrupt opposing offenses.
What Other College Veterans Are Draft Targets?
Beyond the local stars, the draft features a strong group of experienced college players who have paid their dues and developed their games over multiple seasons. Stirtz and Jefferson fit perfectly into this category, showing that patience and development still hold immense value in a draft often obsessed with raw, young potential.
Purdue's Braden Smith, the NCAA's all-time assist leader, lands at No. 41 despite standing just over 5-foot-10. Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton and Houston guard Emanuel Sharp are other seasoned veterans who should not be overlooked when Commissioner Adam Silver reads the names on draft night.
St. John's center Zuby Ejiofor, who transferred from Kansas and found tremendous success in Queens, ranks No. 26. His wingspan and athleticism make up for a lack of traditional height at the center position, and his two seasons leading the Red Storm to Big East titles prove he knows how to win when the pressure is on.
Which Late First-Round Picks Could Surprise?
Every draft produces hidden gems, and several players outside the top 20 have the talent to outplay their projections. Baylor guard Cameron Carr turned heads at the NBA Draft Combine and sits at No. 16. Kentucky center Jayden Quaintance is the ultimate mystery man at No. 20. He is a highly athletic post player who played just three games at Kentucky after recovering from a torn ACL suffered at Arizona State.
Santa Clara forward Allen Graves ranks No. 31 but carries first-round intrigue due to his outstanding advanced statistics. BYU's Richie Saunders, ranked No. 28, also has first-round talent but faces recovery from a torn ACL. Teams willing to be patient could land a major steal if they redshirt him for a season.
Is the 2026 NBA Draft Class Actually Deep?
Yes. While there is a clear separation between the top four prospects and the rest of the field, teams picking later in the first round should still find solid contributors. There is expected to be a significant run on guards after the top four are selected. Players like Houston's Kingston Flemings, Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr., and Illinois' Keaton Wagler offer immense offensive upside for teams willing to develop them.
For Iowa fans, the depth of this class is a major benefit. It means Stirtz, Jefferson, and Lipsey have a genuine chance to hear their names called and secure guaranteed contracts. Their inclusion in the top 75 proves that playing in the Midwest, and specifically in the Hawkeye State, is a proven path to the professional ranks.