NBA mock draft 5.0: Who goes first in a draft worth tanking for?
USA TODAY
Lottery odds, tanking strategy and a loaded 2026 NBA Draft class reshape projections as teams chase franchise superstars at the top of the board.
The 2026 NBA Draft is arguably the most exciting in recent memory and could eventually go down as one of the best draft classes in league history. This storyline does not come without a dull moment.
Since our last update, plenty of drama has surrounded the 2026 NBA Draft. First, on the professional side, the tanking crisis surrounding teams punting on the season for better draft odds looms large. Meanwhile, in college basketball, pundits continue to debate what exactly is going on with Kansas star freshman Darryn Peterson.
With that in mind, as the college basketball regular season nears its end before conference tournaments and March Madness begins, let's take a look at our latest mock draft.
Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
The Kings have the worst offense in the Western Conference and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa. The forward currently leads the nation in unassisted points scored (548) this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star became the youngest player in NCAA history with a 30-point triple-double against Eastern Washington on Dec. 22. Highlighted by his 43-point performance against in-state rival Utah, he has averaged 29.7 points per game over his last 10 appearances.
St. John's vs Kansas features Hall of Fame coaches Rick Pitino and Bill Self, a top NBA draft prospect in Darryn Peterson, and plenty more.
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Sunday's eight second-round games in the NCAA men's tournament will complete the Sweet 16. A breakdown of the matchups and what to watch.
The Women's NCAA Tournament has been pretty chalky. But there are plenty of storylines. Here are the winners and losers from the first round.
The Longhorns pulled off another upset with another strong offensive performance to take down Gonzaga.
Coen Carr led the way with 21 points and 10 rebounds as Michigan State advanced to another Sweet 16 with a defeat of Louisville.
Can 'Mr. March' (aka Tom Izzo) lead Michigan State Spartans to another Sweet 16? Louisville stands in the way. Follow March Madness second round live.
Flynn and Katie Clayman are coaching High Point men's and women's basketball in the NCAA Tournament, relishing in the Panthers' Cinderella run.
The second round of 2026 NCAA Tournament is underway. Here's a look at the five most likely March Madness upset predictions in the Round of 32.
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LSU coach Kim Mulkey is known for her unique March Madness outfits, but she doesn't know what happens to them after she wears them.