There is a handful of potential future No. 1 overall picks are playing college basketball right now. It is safe to say that we are going be full of intriguing talents the entire 2025-26 season. In just two to three games into the season these six players have caught our attention and going viral on social media.Â
The Next Greek Star?: Neoklis Avdalas
Virginia Tech landed something college basketball rarely sees—a 6’9″ guard with professional experience against grown men. Neoklis Avdalas averaged 7.7 PPG in Greece’s top-tier HEBA A1 league before stepping onto campus. While other freshmen were dominating high school competition, Avdalas was going against seasoned professionals. That experience shows.
He dropped 33 points on 13-of-23 shooting against Providence in just his second college game. Five threes. Six assists. Career night that earned him ACC Rookie and Player of the Week honors—the first Virginia Tech player to win both awards simultaneously. His season averages through three games tell the story: 18.3 PPG, 7.3 APG, 45.8% FG, 42.1% from three. That’s top-15 nationally in assists while scoring at an elite clip.
What makes Avdalas special isn’t just the stats. It’s the basketball IQ. He controls tempo, manipulates defenses with eye contact and no-look passes, and operates in the 74th percentile in pick-and-roll situations. His transition play ranks in the 96th percentile. NBA scouts are projecting him as a late first-round to early second-round pick in 2026. The combination of positional size and advanced playmaking is rare. The shooting mechanics need work—he shot 21.5% in BCL play before improving—but the craft and court vision are already NBA-level.
The Legacy Athlete: Jake Wilkins
Some legacies are impossible to escape. When your father is Dominique Wilkins—the Human Highlight Film himself—expectations are sky-high. Jake Wilkins is running his own race at Georgia, wearing his father’s retired No. 21 jersey and delivering viral moments that justify the bloodline. His windmill alley-oop against Morehead State went viral instantly. The body control mid-air, the explosion, the finish—pure athleticism.
Through three games, Wilkins is averaging 14.3 PPG on 53.8% shooting. He went perfect against Maryland-Eastern Shore: 16 points, 5-of-5 from two-point range, 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Career-high performance with the efficiency that NBA teams covet. The athleticism is elite. 96th percentile transition play with explosive quick-twitch ability and highlight-reel finishes. He plays above the rim, covers the court with long bouncy strides, and brings an infectious motor every possession.
But here’s what separates Wilkins from just another dunker: He’s ranked No. 54 on ESPN’s SCNXT 100 and showing all-around development. The defensive versatility, the rebounding (4.0 RPG), the improving offensive game beyond pure athleticism. The concerns are real. His frame is thin—167 lbs at last measurement—and he needs significant strength to finish through NBA contact. His outside shooting is inconsistent. But the physical tools are undeniable, and he’s got coaching from someone who knows a thing or two about explosive NBA careers.
The Melo Successor: Kiyan Anthony
Syracuse faithful know this story. Carmelo Anthony’s son, following his father’s legendary path, wearing the Orange and carrying massive expectations. Kiyan Anthony isn’t running from it. He’s embracing it with performances that show he’s more than just a name. His college debut against Binghamton set the tone: 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting in 28 minutes, stepping up for an injured starter without hesitation. His first start against Delaware State was even better—19 points on 8-of-11 shooting with zero turnovers.
Through two games: 17.0 PPG, 66.7% FG, 42.9% from three. Those aren’t just good numbers. Those are elite efficiency numbers. Anthony isn’t a carbon copy of his father. Where Melo dominated in the mid-range and post, Kiyan lives on the perimeter with a smooth jumper and naturally soft touch. He operates in the 90th percentile in ball-screen situations and showcased his three-level scoring by dropping 26 points at the Jordan Brand Classic to earn MVP honors.
The defensive concerns are a family affair I guess. He can be a net negative on that end with scouts referencing lateral quickness issues and inconsistent habits. His shot selection needs refinement— hopefully never plagued with the “chucker” tag that plague volume scorers. But scouts are projecting him as a late first-round pick in 2026 or 2027. At 6’5″ with improving playmaking (3.5 APG) and versatile shotmaking, the offensive ceiling is high enough to overcome defensive limitations if he commits to that end of the floor.Â
The Complete Package: Cameron Boozer
Duke gets elite talent every year. But Cameron Boozer is different. The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer and Duke champion. He’s a FIBA U17 World Cup MVP who averaged 20.1 PPG and 9.9 RPG on 69.6% shooting. A five-star prospect who delivers on every promise. His college debut against Texas told you everything you need to know about his mentality. He started 0-for-7 in the first half, looking lost. Most freshmen would’ve checked out mentally. Boozer dominated the second half, finishing with 15 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block in a 75-60 win.
Against Western Carolina, he dropped 25 points and 8 rebounds. In exhibition games, he put up 33 points and 12 rebounds against UCF, then grabbed 23 rebounds against Tennessee—23 boards in one game as a freshman. The versatility is what scouts love. He’s 6’9″ with three-level scoring ability, polished footwork, and can finish with either hand. He stretches the floor with mid-range pull-ups and improving three-point shooting. His basketball IQ is off the charts—6 assists against Tennessee as a facilitator, post scorer, and pick-and-roll operator.
Scouts are projecting him as a potential No. 1 overall pick in 2026. Comparisons range from Al Horford’s versatile defense to Karl-Anthony Towns’ shooting and Paolo Banchero’s all-around game. The concerns? Athletic limitations—he lacks elite vertical pop and explosive speed. So what? Anybody watch the run Jokic is still on. Rim protection is solid but not elite. Outside shooting needs consistency. But here’s what matters: Boozer impacts winning in multiple ways. He rebounds, defends, passes, scores, and leads. That’s the blueprint for NBA success, and he’s doing it at 18 years old.
The Generational Talent: AJ Dybantsa
BYU doesn’t get the nation’s No. 1 recruit. Ever. Until AJ Dybantsa chose them, and the college basketball landscape shifted. Dybantsa is being called a generational talent. Through three games, he’s justifying every bit of that label: 18.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.7 APG on 57.1% shooting. His debut against Villanova announced his arrival: 21 points on 9-of-18 shooting, becoming one of only five BYU freshmen to score 20+ in their debut. Against Holy Cross, he went for 17 points on 70% shooting with 8 rebounds and perfect free-throw shooting. In the preseason against Nebraska, he dropped 30 points. At the Nike Hoop Summit, he put up 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. His FIBA U19 World Cup MVP performance (14.3 PPG, 50% FG) led Team USA to gold.
The physical tools are elite: 6’9″, 6’11” wingspan, explosive athleticism that creates matchup nightmares. He’s a versatile three-level scorer with advanced footwork, effective shot creation, and the ability to attack the rim with power or finesse. His playmaking instincts are natural—low turnovers relative to his usage with strong court vision. Defensively, he’s switchable across multiple positions with rim protection potential and an active motor.
NBA Projection
Scouts project him as a top-3 pick in 2026, with potential to go No. 1 overall. Comparisons to Tracy McGrady, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Kevin Garnett aren’t hyperbole—they’re based on his blend of scoring efficiency, athleticism, and versatility.
The red flag? Perimeter shooting consistency. He shot 32.7% in EYBL play and just 11.1% at the U19 World Cup from three. His shot selection and arc need refinement. But when you have this level of athleticism, scoring instincts, and defensive versatility, shooting can be developed. BYU coach Kevin Young—former Phoenix Suns assistant who worked with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker—provides an NBA-style development environment. If anyone can refine Dybantsa’s game, it’s Young.
The Complete Two-Way Star: Darryn Peterson
Kansas coach Bill Self called Darryn Peterson “the best recruit in program history.” That’s the same program that’s had multiple No. 1 picks and national champions. Strong words. But Self isn’t wrong. Peterson’s exhibition against Louisville might’ve been the best freshman performance in recent memory: 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting (6-of-10 from three), 5 steals, 4 rebounds. Elite offense and lockdown defense in the same game.
His regular season stats through two games back it up: 21.5 PPG, 60% FG, 50% from three, 77.8% FT, 2.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG. That’s complete two-way dominance. Against North Carolina in a hostile environment, he dropped 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting with 2 steals and a block in an 87-74 loss. No freshman jitters. No stage too big. The efficiency is what separates Peterson from other high-volume scorers. He’s not forcing shots—he’s creating separation with hesitation moves, changes of pace, and elite ball-handling. His jumper is silky smooth, his mid-range game is lethal, and he finishes through contact with either hand.
NBA Draft Stock
At 6’5″ with a 6’10.5″ wingspan, he’s got ideal size for a combo guard. The defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions with high motor and active hands. He uses his frame and length to disrupt passing lanes and rebound effectively for his position.He was the 2025 Naismith High School Player of the Year after averaging 30.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 7.4 APG. His McDonald’s All-American co-MVP performance (18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 dunks) showcased his explosiveness.
Scouts project him as a potential No. 1 overall pick in 2026. Comparisons to Brandon Roy’s efficiency, Devin Booker’s shot-making, and Damian Lillard’s versatility are all justified. The concerns are minor: three-point consistency varies by competition level, shot selection can trend toward contested jumpers, and his athleticism is good but not elite-explosive. But here’s the reality: Peterson is doing everything at an elite level. Scoring, defending, playmaking, rebounding. The maturity and poise handling unprecedented freshman responsibilities at Kansas show he’s built for this.
More Stars Will Emerge
We’re not in the business of hyping every five-star recruit in terms of what they can do in the NBA. We’ve seen too many “can’t-miss” prospects miss. These six caught our attention because they’re delivering immediately with performances that justify their projections. No waiting for development but it is a long season with more flashes to come.
Avdalas brings rare international pro experience and elite playmaking. Wilkins provides explosive athleticism with improving all-around game. Anthony carries legendary expectations with smooth scoring and efficiency. Boozer offers the most complete package with proven winning pedigree. Dybantsa is the generational talent with elite tools and alpha mentality. Peterson combines efficient scoring with lockdown defense and complete maturity.
Three of them—Boozer, Dybantsa, and Peterson—are legitimate No. 1 overall pick candidates. The other three are projected first or second-round picks based on two college games. That’s not hype. That’s production backed by statistics, scouting reports, and eye-test dominance. We’re watching the future of the NBA every time these players step on the court. The only question is which one goes first.
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