2026 NBA Draft Prospects

[grant101]

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Aday Mara looks like he'll be a better pro. He has good mobility for his size. I want a real 7 foot big on our team. Veesaar looks like he'll be too small at the next level.

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Mara has really turned it around. He was so skinny, slow and soft at UCLA. Nice to see him starting to put it all together. His wingspan is elite and he's got really good touch. I wouldn't go as far as saying he has good mobility, but it's certainly improved. That said, I don't think he's ever anything more than a drop big defensively (which is not the worst thing in the world given his size) and his rebounding should be much better than it is. I wish there was at least a little shooting potential, but I just don't see it, and I think that limits him big time. I have him in the end of the first round range at the moment.

[Thaddy]

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Aday Mara looks like he'll be a better pro. He has good mobility for his size. I want a real 7 foot big on our team. Veesaar looks like he'll be too small at the next level.

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Mara has really turned it around. He was so skinny, slow and soft at UCLA. Nice to see him starting to put it all together. His wingspan is elite and he's got really good touch. I wouldn't go as far as saying he has good mobility, but it's certainly improved. That said, I don't think he's ever anything more than a drop big defensively (which is not the worst thing in the world given his size) and his rebounding should be much better than it is. I wish there was at least a little shooting potential, but I just don't see it, and I think that limits him big time. I have him in the end of the first round range at the moment.

The most important part of drafting is taking guys who've shown a lot of improvement. It's not linear but it's the best indicator you can work with. I would consider downgrading our first rounder into two seconds and taking him or Condon and another BPA which will likely be a guard.

[Mark_83]

Can anyone who watches Houston comment on Cenac's motor and toughness? I have a feeling he may fall into our range, but I'm always wary of soft, low-energy, passive bigs. That combo regardless of the tools and skills are usually bad indicators.

[Mark_83]

A lot of basketball still to be played but my wish list for our first pick at this stage are one of:

Cameron Carr
Yaxel Lendeborg
Chris Cenac Jr. (maybe)
Darius Acuff
Kingston Flemings
Labaron Philon
Henri Veesaar
Keaton Wagler
Tyler Tanner

[PhilBlackson]

I'm not wowed by any of the Cs mentioned (Steinbach, Mara or Veesar)...

They're all players I'd just hope to buy an early 2nd and draft whoever might fall but I'm not drafting for strictly need. I think if we're going by "need" a bigger PG isn't as dire as a C buuut I think the PGs are just flat out more talented to their respective positions so if by some fluke someone like Fleming or Brown fell, obv that would be great, I'd even favor Phillon over the Cs. I've never really been that high on Aciuff and idk what to make of Stirtz so I'd prob just not take the gamble.

BUUUT...personally I've never been a fan of drafting for "need/fit", if it overlapped (as it could've with Queen) so be it. But I'd just flat out looking for the player I believe has the highest ceiling. For me that's Cameron Carr.

Right now he's well ahead of everyone in our "range" for me (just praying OKC or someone to that effect doesn't snatch him before us). But failing that...I'd try to develop someone like Neo, Cenac, Tonde etc before I go using the pick on drafting for need or fit because I'm still not sold that our "top end talent" is good enough to carry us to the next level. I still think we have to try to find another "diamond in the rough if possible. Now if I see more skill from any of those bigs further on into this season, maybe I can swayed to go for one of them but they all strike me as solid roleplayer types & I'll always favour a bit more upside.

[grant101]

Can anyone who watches Houston comment on Cenac's motor and toughness? I have a feeling he may fall into our range, but I'm always wary of soft, low-energy, passive bigs. That combo regardless of the tools and skills are usually bad indicators.

I think his motor is fine in that he doesn't take plays off, and you don't get minutes on Sampson's team without putting in effort. That said, I find he doesn't impact the game much and is very limited and one note on offence (occasional play finisher and a bunch of ugly looking turnaround mid-rangers). I don't think he has much on-ball potential, and doesn't really play like a big. Think poor man's Jabari Smith. The frame, athleticism and measurables are great, but I'm not a fan.

[Psubs]

Can anyone who watches Houston comment on Cenac's motor and toughness? I have a feeling he may fall into our range, but I'm always wary of soft, low-energy, passive bigs. That combo regardless of the tools and skills are usually bad indicators.

I think his motor is fine in that he doesn't take plays off, and you don't get minutes on Sampson's team without putting in effort. That said, I find he doesn't impact the game much and is very limited and one note on offence (occasional play finisher and a bunch of ugly looking turnaround mid-rangers). I don't think he has much on-ball potential, and doesn't really play like a big. Think poor man's Jabari Smith. The frame, athleticism and measurables are great, but I'm not a fan.

How would he compare to pre-transfer freshman Kel'El Ware?

[grant101]

Can anyone who watches Houston comment on Cenac's motor and toughness? I have a feeling he may fall into our range, but I'm always wary of soft, low-energy, passive bigs. That combo regardless of the tools and skills are usually bad indicators.

I think his motor is fine in that he doesn't take plays off, and you don't get minutes on Sampson's team without putting in effort. That said, I find he doesn't impact the game much and is very limited and one note on offence (occasional play finisher and a bunch of ugly looking turnaround mid-rangers). I don't think he has much on-ball potential, and doesn't really play like a big. Think poor man's Jabari Smith. The frame, athleticism and measurables are great, but I'm not a fan.

How would he compare to pre-transfer freshman Kel'El Ware?

Very different players. Ware could always do the big man stuff (blocks, screening, rebounding, rim running, simple finishes in the post), but would sometimes fall in love with the shot and showed inconsistent effort getting back on defence. Cenac plays more like a forward/wing without the ball-handling. He's a decent rebounder, but I wouldn't count on him doing any of the things you want out of a Center. He'll get drafted based on his frame & athleticism, but I think he has high bust potential.

[Psubs]

I think his motor is fine in that he doesn't take plays off, and you don't get minutes on Sampson's team without putting in effort. That said, I find he doesn't impact the game much and is very limited and one note on offence (occasional play finisher and a bunch of ugly looking turnaround mid-rangers). I don't think he has much on-ball potential, and doesn't really play like a big. Think poor man's Jabari Smith. The frame, athleticism and measurables are great, but I'm not a fan.

How would he compare to pre-transfer freshman Kel'El Ware?

Very different players. Ware could always do the big man stuff (blocks, screening, rebounding, rim running, simple finishes in the post), but would sometimes fall in love with the shot and showed inconsistent effort getting back on defence. Cenac plays more like a forward/wing without the ball-handling. He's a decent rebounder, but I wouldn't count on him doing any of the things you want out of a Center. He'll get drafted based on his frame & athleticism, but I think he has high bust potential.

Ah, sounds like he's more like a Bobby Portis.

[Indeed]

How would he compare to pre-transfer freshman Kel'El Ware?

Very different players. Ware could always do the big man stuff (blocks, screening, rebounding, rim running, simple finishes in the post), but would sometimes fall in love with the shot and showed inconsistent effort getting back on defence. Cenac plays more like a forward/wing without the ball-handling. He's a decent rebounder, but I wouldn't count on him doing any of the things you want out of a Center. He'll get drafted based on his frame & athleticism, but I think he has high bust potential.

Ah, sounds like he's more like a Bobby Portis.

Only watched a few film, but I am not high on Cenac basketball IQ, even some said he showed flashes on cross court passing and out of double. His current assist is low.

[Psubs]

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Legit 7 footer, lob threat, shooting 50% from 3 (32.7% last year); will dip but dang. He looks like 7ft Mamu.

[Indeed]

For all you shot-creation + playmaking lovers I present you with Keaton Wagler. He's rising fast, and will probably out of our range.

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Looks to me similar to Giddey, maybe a better shooter.

After watching more highlights, he might be more skilled with spin move (change direction) and some hesitation move along with his shooting. However, I am unsure he can turn the corner every time. Not someone who can replace Barrett, but maybe Quickley and can be a good starting PG at 6'6.

Defense maybe at best average, but at 6'6, he can perhaps hide next to a lock down defender. Him getting through screen maybe a concern against shooters as an off ball defender, but I can live with those, as there are not many good two-way movement shooters being a consistent threat, switching is another solution anyway.

[Jstock12]

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Aday Mara looks like he'll be a better pro. He has good mobility for his size. I want a real 7 foot big on our team. Veesaar looks like he'll be too small at the next level.

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Mara has really turned it around. He was so skinny, slow and soft at UCLA. Nice to see him starting to put it all together. His wingspan is elite and he's got really good touch. I wouldn't go as far as saying he has good mobility, but it's certainly improved. That said, I don't think he's ever anything more than a drop big defensively (which is not the worst thing in the world given his size) and his rebounding should be much better than it is. I wish there was at least a little shooting potential, but I just don't see it, and I think that limits him big time. I have him in the end of the first round range at the moment.

Mara's softness used to be cartoonish. Dude would pretty much fall from a slight bump from another 7-footer. It's good that he managed to add strength. It sucks that he lacks shooting. His court-vision and feel for the game are pretty elite at that size.

[Thaddy]

Aday Mara looks like he'll be a better pro. He has good mobility for his size. I want a real 7 foot big on our team. Veesaar looks like he'll be too small at the next level.

Watch on YouTube

Mara has really turned it around. He was so skinny, slow and soft at UCLA. Nice to see him starting to put it all together. His wingspan is elite and he's got really good touch. I wouldn't go as far as saying he has good mobility, but it's certainly improved. That said, I don't think he's ever anything more than a drop big defensively (which is not the worst thing in the world given his size) and his rebounding should be much better than it is. I wish there was at least a little shooting potential, but I just don't see it, and I think that limits him big time. I have him in the end of the first round range at the moment.

Mara's softness used to be cartoonish. Dude would pretty much fall from a slight bump from another 7-footer. It's good that he managed to add strength. It sucks that he lacks shooting. His court-vision and feel for the game are pretty elite at that size.

For a 2nd round pick that's all that matters to me. Court vision and feel for the game at his size are great foundational skills to build on. Even more when it applies at the defensive end at his size.

[Jstock12]

Mara has really turned it around. He was so skinny, slow and soft at UCLA. Nice to see him starting to put it all together. His wingspan is elite and he's got really good touch. I wouldn't go as far as saying he has good mobility, but it's certainly improved. That said, I don't think he's ever anything more than a drop big defensively (which is not the worst thing in the world given his size) and his rebounding should be much better than it is. I wish there was at least a little shooting potential, but I just don't see it, and I think that limits him big time. I have him in the end of the first round range at the moment.

Mara's softness used to be cartoonish. Dude would pretty much fall from a slight bump from another 7-footer. It's good that he managed to add strength. It sucks that he lacks shooting. His court-vision and feel for the game are pretty elite at that size.

For a 2nd round pick that's all that matters to me. Court vision and feel for the game at his size are great foundational skills to build on. Even more when it applies at the defensive end at his size.

I agree. Also, he won't be available in the 2nd round. About 0% chance

[Psubs]

Mara's softness used to be cartoonish. Dude would pretty much fall from a slight bump from another 7-footer. It's good that he managed to add strength. It sucks that he lacks shooting. His court-vision and feel for the game are pretty elite at that size.

For a 2nd round pick that's all that matters to me. Court vision and feel for the game at his size are great foundational skills to build on. Even more when it applies at the defensive end at his size.

I agree. Also, he won't be available in the 2nd round. About 0% chance

That's what people thought about Kyle Fillipowski.

[Jstock12]

For a 2nd round pick that's all that matters to me. Court vision and feel for the game at his size are great foundational skills to build on. Even more when it applies at the defensive end at his size.

I agree. Also, he won't be available in the 2nd round. About 0% chance

That's what people thought about Kyle Fillipowski.

To tell you the truth, I never got into the Filipowski hype like so many on this board did. He never looked like a 1st rounder to me. Mara might have a couple glaring weaknesses, but he also possesses high level traits (something that Filipowski had zero of). That's also why I think Mara will get drafted sooner than Filipowski was.

[Mark_83]

He has an uphill climb as a smaller guard but Tyler Tanner is a beast. The guy gets to the rim at will and he's got range.

19 poihts 14 assists and only 1 turnover tonight against South Carolina.

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[Indeed]

He has an uphill climb as a smaller guard but Tyler Tanner is a beast. The guy gets to the rim at will and he's got range.

19 poihts 14 assists and only 1 turnover tonight against South Carolina.

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Reminds me of Nash, but Nash has a hook shot running away from the rim, so that he can finish at rim. I think Tanner will have trouble finishing at rim, and unsure his defense with his size and strength.

I might prefer older prospect like Xaivian Lee who is a bit taller with more consistent combo guard ability.

[Mark_83]

Reminds me of Nash, but Nash has a hook shot running away from the rim, so that he can finish at rim. I think Tanner will have trouble finishing at rim, and unsure his defense with his size and strength.

I might prefer older prospect like Xaivian Lee who is a bit taller with more consistent combo guard ability.

Tanner is nothing at all like Nash. Very different types of players altogether. I also think you might be underrating him quite a bit.Tanner is one of the quickest, bounciest guards in the NCAA, especially for his size. He has had zero problem finishing at the rim in his NCAA career thus far, as evidenced by his 88% efficiency on shots at the rim last year. He does this with a combination of quickness/shifiness, touch, and athleticism (hops, hangtime, body control).

Defensively, he's one of the most disruptive on-ball defenders in the NCAA. He's averaging almost 3 steals a game (2.7) which is almost double the number of turnovers he averages (1.5). He's got elite hands and anticipation and put relentless pressure on the ball handler at the point of attack. Size is his only real limitation on defense, but he compensates for it by just being a straight up dawg like Shead. He'll pickup his man full court, battle through screens, and basically stops just short of criminal harassment on the opposing point guard. Despite this he only commits 2.4 fouls a game, numbers which are comparable to Jose Alvarado's Senior season at Georgia Tech, except he's only a Sophomore.

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