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NBA draft not top of mind for Kansas’ Peterson, BYU’s Dybantsa

Lajina HossainOctober 22, 2025

Myron MedcalfOct 22, 2025, 05:48 PM ET

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Big 12 might boast the top two picks in next summer’s NBA draft — but both Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and BYU wing AJ Dybantsa say the NBA isn’t on their minds right now.

Speaking at Big 12 media day on Wednesday, Peterson — a five-star recruit and 6-foot-6 guard who is projected to go No. 1 in ESPN’s latest 2026 NBA mock draft — said he’s focused on helping the Jayhawks win this season, not the chatter about his future.

“I handle it by not even paying any attention to it,” Peterson told ESPN. “I’m just going to go out and play and win games.”

Peterson on Wednesday was tabbed as Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year and a unanimous selection to the All-Big 12 preseason first team. Dybantsa, the 6-foot-9 standout who is projected to be drafted second, was named to the Associated Press preseason All-America team on Monday.

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The buzz around Dybantsa grew on Saturday when he recorded 30 points (10-for-19), 7 rebounds and 3 steals in BYU’s 90-89 exhibition loss to Nebraska. Dybantsa said playing a road game against the Huskers was a good experience, despite the loss.

“I think that not everybody had their best game. Some people had jitters,” he said. “It was the first college game for the freshmen or their first game with BYU or their first game on the biggest stage. I like the Big 12 level, but I learned a lot. I felt more comfortable getting into an exhibition and just getting to [compete] out there, getting to learn the away crowds, how away games are. I never really played a crazy away game, so that was fun.”

But the speculation about him potentially being the No. 1 pick — and maybe battling his Big 12 peer Peterson in the pursuit — is something Dybantsa has tried to avoid, too.

“I think me and [Peterson] probably have similar mindsets, obviously, playing with him since I’ll say my freshman year,” Dybantsa said. “I don’t think he is too worried about [going No. 1]. I think he’s just really trying to prove himself as a college player and he’s probably got the same goal as me: to go out and win.”

Peterson said his only focus right now is to be a great leader for the Jayhawks and adjust to college life.

“I lead by example and I’m trying to do all the right stuff, both on and off the court,” he said. “I think that’s good for the team if you can see a young guy coming in and doing that.”

Although Dybantsa and Peterson were the focus of Wednesday’s event, another NBA prospect’s name was mentioned, too.

UCF coach Johnny Dawkins, following his team’s 96-71 exhibition loss at Duke on Tuesday night, hopped on a plane to Kansas City with his players for Big 12 media day.

Dawkins, a former Duke star, said freshman Cameron Boozer — the two-time national Gatorade Player of the Year and projected No. 3 pick in ESPN’s latest mock draft — has the talent to excel at the next level after he scored 33 points (4-for-7 from 3) in the win.

“He’s terrific. He’s a great basketball player and he still has room to grow,” Dawkins said Wednesday. “I mean, I’m watching him out there and the thing that stood out more than anything is that it was a really good basketball game, and his competitive spirit, you saw him raise his level and that’s what the great players do. They’re able to raise their level in those moments and I saw him do that.

“When I saw that happen, I knew exactly who he’s going to be. He’s going to be a great college player and he’s going to be a terrific pro.”

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Gavin McKenna headlines top NHL Draft prospects on Central Scouting list

Lajina HossainOctober 20, 2025

Penn State freshman Gavin McKenna is one of 27 players to get an A rating from NHL Central Scouting in the preliminary players to watch list for next year’s draft.

The list, released Monday, gives an A rating to players considered first-round candidates.

McKenna, who moved to the NCAA from the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers this season after a rule change by the U.S. college sports governing body, has one goal and five assists in six games for Penn State to start the season.

The Whitehorse native is playing against older competition than in the CHL, where he led the Tigers to the Memorial Cup final last season and was named the top player in the country.

Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino had McKenna ranked No. 1 in his October rankings for the draft.

All players in Cosentino’s top five also got A ratings â€” Frolunda winger Ivar Stenberg, North Dakota defenceman Keaton Verhoeff, Windsor Spitfires winger Ethan Belchetz and Niagara IceDogs centre Ryan Roobroeck.

Other notable players to get A grades include WHL scoring leader JP Hurlbert of the Kamloops Blazers, QMJHL defence scoring leader Xavier Villeneuve of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armanda and WHL defence scoring leader Ryan Lin of the Vancouver Giants.

The OHL leads the way with eight A prospects.

Here’s a list of all players to receive an A grade:

LW Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)
D Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars, WHL)
C Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting, OHL)
D Malte Gustafsson (HV71 Jr., Sweden)
LW Oscar Hemming (Espoo, Finland)
RW Elton Hermansson (Modo, Sweden)
LW JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)
RW Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
C Tynan Lawrence (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)
D Ryan Lin (Vancouver Giants, WHL)
C Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)
LW Gavin McKenna (Penn State, NCAA)
LW Marcus Nordmark (Djurgarden, Sweden)
LW Adam Novotny (Peterborough Petes, OHL)
D Juho Piiparinen (Tappara, Finland)
RW Mathis Preston (Spokane Chiefs, WHL)
D Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)
C Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa Generals, OHL)
LW Ryan Roobroeck (Niagara IceDogs, OHL)
D Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)
D Luke Schairer (U.S. national development team, USHL)
C Egor Shilov (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL)
D Alberts Smits (Jukurit, Finland)
LW Ivar Stenberg (Frolunda, Sweden)
C Oliver Suvanto (Tappara, Finland)
D Keaton Verhoeff (North Dakota, NCAA)
D Xavier Villeneuve (Blainville-Boisbriand, QMJHL)

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WWE

Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order After Sunday’s Week 7 Results

Lajina HossainOctober 20, 2025

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The New York Jets lost another opportunity to remove themselves from the winless ranks in Week 7.

After Sunday’s home loss to Carolina, the Jets might be doomed to long wait for a victory.

Only four teams in the NFL have one win, one of which is the Baltimore Ravens, who seem poised to go on a run with Lamar Jackson back from injury.

The top spot in the 2026 NFL draft order seems to be the Jets’ spot to lose now and the opportunities to get out of that position are drying up.

Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order

The Jets’ schedule looks much tougher after Week 7’s results across the NFL.

Joe Flacco reinvigorated the Cincinnati Bengals offense and there’s now hope in Cincinnati that a win over the Jets in Week 8 will be the continuation of the team’s resurgence.

Drake Maye and the New England Patriots look better by the week and the Cleveland Browns have found something with Quinshon Judkins at running back.

The Jets’ next three games come against Cincinnati, New England and Cleveland. There’s a real possibility that the December 7 clash with the Miami Dolphins is the next real chance for them to earn their first victory.

Miami feels like New York’s true competition for the No. 1 overall pick. The Dolphins look like a team ready to get rid of head coach Mike McDaniel and start another rebuild.

Miami has a four-game swing before the bye against Atlanta, Baltimore, Buffalo and Washington that could easily put it at 1-10.

The Dolphins’ draft position will likely be decided by back-to-back games against the New Orleans Saints after their Week 12 bye.

New Orleans still has five NFC South games to play, but it also faces Miami, New York and the Tennessee Titans. A 2-1 record in those games would be plenty enough to keep the Saints away from the top selection.

Tennessee doesn’t have many easy games on its remaining schedule outside of the Week 17 clash with the Saints.

The Titans looked good for a quarter-and-a-half against New England on Sunday, but it’s too early to tell if firing Brian Callahan will have an impact on the current season’s results.

One thing is for sure, though, Baltimore is about to pull itself out of the AFC North basement. The results with Lamar Jackson in the fold have to get better, which is why the Ravens aren’t considered a true contender for the No. 1 overall pick.

The top pick race is likely down to the Jets, Dolphins, Saints and Titans.

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Basketball

2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Draft Strategy Mega Guide

Lajina HossainOctober 17, 2025

For some of you, this weekend is when you’ll select your fantasy basketball teams for the upcoming season. But if you’re like the Rotoworld crew, you would have gotten some of your drafts done well beforehand. However, there’s still the need to pay attention to the final preseason games while scouring the waiver wire for value. Noah Rubin and Raphielle Johnson provide their thoughts on approaching the draft, including strategies and some of their favorite picks for each round.

NBA: Preseason-Charlotte Hornets at Oklahoma City Thunder

2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Draft Prep Guide: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, mock draft results, and more

Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworldâ€s fantasy basketball draft coverage.

Who is your favorite pick in each round?

Round 1

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder – I love SGA’s skill set and production, and he’s a player who allows for versatility when building out your fantasy roster. Add in the fact that the Thunder are unlikely to be able to coast through the regular season, given the depth of the Western Conference, and I don’t think you can go wrong with drafting Gilgeous-Alexander. – Raphielle Johnson

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks – Avoiding the consensus top-four, Giannis is my favorite pick of the first round. He has his obvious limitations, but Antetokounmpo should be in for a big season with the Bucks. Some people may shy away from being forced to punt free throws and three-pointers in round one, but Iâ€m happy to lean into those. – Noah Rubin

Round 2

Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers – Of the 76ers’ “big three,” he’s the one I trust the most regarding fantasy basketball due to the availability concerns for Joel Embiid and Paul George. While Maxey’s 2024-25 season ended prematurely due to injury, playing in 52 games, he’s been available for the entire preseason. That should alleviate any concerns, and Maxey played at least 60 games in each of his first four seasons. If you can get him in the second round of your draft, do so. – RJ

Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets – Iâ€m all in on Thompsonâ€s breakout this season. I was excited about him prior to Fred VanVleetâ€s season-ending knee injury, and now I think he has first-round upside. First All-Star appearance is on the way. – NR

Round 3

Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers – The Pacers were already in a challenging spot when Tyrese Haliburton was ruled out for the entire 2025-26 season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. During the preseason, they lost T.J. McConnell to a hamstring injury, and Delon Wright suffered a nasty head injury. While Andrew Nembhard will be the point guard, I can envision Siakam having more playmaking responsibilities out of necessity, raising his fantasy ceiling. – RJ

Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks – Johnson enjoyed a breakout year that was cut short by shoulder injuries. Those arenâ€t recurring issues to worry about like knees and ankles; itâ€s just a random occurrence. However, I think he has another level to reach, and he can get there this season. -NR

NBA: Preseason-Charlotte Hornets at Oklahoma City Thunder

2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Draft Prep Guide: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, mock draft results, and more

Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworldâ€s fantasy basketball draft coverage.

Round 4

Myles Turner, Milwaukee Bucks – After ten seasons with the Pacers, Turner moved to a Central Division rival this offseason. While his scoring decreased last season, I don’t think that will be an issue on a Bucks team that will need more offensive production from Turner. And he’ll provide valuable floor spacing in a lineup headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo. After averaging 5.5 three-point attempts per game last season, Turner may take even more in Milwaukee, and the blocks will always be there. – RJ

Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks – The rookie has been starting at point guard for Dallas even with Dâ€Angelo Russell healthy. He may have the same efficiency issues that many players have during their first season, but he should be a strong source of rebounds, assists, steals and blocks with the upside to contribute in other categories. -NR

Round 5

Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets – Injuries limited Miller to 27 games last season, but he’s mostly been excellent when on the court. Having a reasonably healthy LaMelo Ball on the floor will also help the third-year wing, who averaged 21.0 points per game last season. If he stays healthy, Miller can put together a top-50 fantasy season in Charlotte. – RJ

Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz – Following a down year in Utah, Iâ€m buying the Markkanen bounceback. The Jazz need to increase his trade value, whether they want to actually move him or not. I think theyâ€ll emphasize him early and often. -NR

Round 6

OG Anunoby, New York Knicks – Despite providing fourth-round per-game value in his first full season with the Knicks, Anunoby’s ADP would place him in the sixth round of 12-team drafts. That may be too low for him, especially with Mike Brown taking over as head coach. Brown’s desire to ramp up the pace did not come to fruition during the preseason, as the Knicks were dead last in that category, but the talent is there to make things happen once everyone gets comfortable with the system. And I think the wings, especially Anunoby, will benefit if they can have the ball in their hands a bit more than they did last season. – RJ

Jordan Poole, New Orleans Pelicans – Poole was really good last season in Washington, but it went under the radar because the team was so bad. Now, heâ€s on a team that isnâ€t expected to be good but doesnâ€t have their own pick. Poole shouldnâ€t be considered a shutdown candidate, and if New Orleans is going to get back to the postseason, heâ€s going to have to shine. -NR

Round 7

Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks – Last season wasn’t easy for Bridges, as many did not hesitate to bring up what adding him to the roster cost the Knicks. Year two should be easier for him, for multiple reasons. He’s solidified his contract situation, and Bridges is one of the players who may benefit from the change to Mike Brown as head coach. He’s had the ball in his hands more during the preseason, which could raise Bridges’ ceiling if that carries over into the regular season. Also, you know he’ll be available, as he’s yet to miss a game in his NBA career. – RJ

Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons – Amen broke out last year, and I think itâ€s Ausarâ€s turn. Heâ€s the best defender on the team and was really good down the stretch of last season. Iâ€m happy to take him two rounds before this; thatâ€s how confident I am in Thompson this year. -NR

Round 8

Christian Braun, Denver Nuggets – Braun’s third NBA season was by far his best, as he more than doubled his scoring average from the season prior. Transitioning from bench contributor to starter, he looks like a player who can offer more in 2025-26. Of course, playing in a lineup headlined by Nikola JokiÄ‡ and Jamal Murray limits his ceiling, but I like Braun’s floor, especially with an eighth-round ADP. – RJ

Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers – Clingan was really good in limited action during his rookie season and is now the full-time starter in Portland. Heâ€ll play a career-high in minutes and put up a ton of double-doubles and blocks while maintaining a sky-high field goal percentage. -NR

Round 9

Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs – If I can get Vassell in the ninth round of a draft, sign me up. Since being limited to 38 appearances in 2022-23, he’s played 68 and 64 games the past two seasons, so injuries should not be a significant concern for fantasy managers. While the Spurs have a deep perimeter rotation when healthy, few options provide the versatility on both ends of the floor that Vassell does. – RJ

Toumani Camara, Portland Trail Blazers – Iâ€ve loved Camara for a while, and heâ€s one of the most important players in Portland this season. The Trail Blazers are good enough to compete for a play-in spot, and Camara should provide plenty of threes and steals. -NR

Round 10

Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors – What Podziemski was able to do after the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler III last season should not be overlooked, especially when gauging his fantasy value for this season. In 27 games (24 starts), he averaged 14.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.4 three-pointers while shooting 45.8 percent from the field. That’s excellent value, especially for a player who may be available in the 10th round based on his current ADP. – RJ

Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies – Heâ€s injured to start the season, but Memphis is going to be focused on running pick-and-rolls with Ja Morant and Edey when both are healthy. Even if Morant is hurt, Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. will be there to feed Edey down low. -NR

Who is your least favorite pick in each round?

Round 1

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks – With the additions the Hawks made this offseason, this will likely be the best team Young has played on since entering the NBA. However, while adding Kristaps PorziÅ†Ä£is, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and others to the roster while getting Jalen Johnson back strengthens the roster, this may negatively impact Young’s scoring. He led the NBA in assists last season while scoring 24.2 points per game, but he also did so while shooting a career-worst 41.1 percent from the field. – RJ

Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks – I like all of the first-round options this year, but I just feel that Davis is the riskiest. Sure, heâ€s elite when heâ€s healthy, but heâ€s back at power forward, which likely means a slight drop in rebounds. Honestly, itâ€s not the talent here. I think heâ€ll easily return first-round value, but itâ€s the injury risk that makes me hesitate. -NR

Round 2

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks – While Brunson is coming off another exceptional season, his ADP (22.3 as of Friday morning) may be a bit high. Considering the head coaching change and an offensive system that may take the ball out of Brunson’s hands more often, I can see his fantasy value taking a hit. Not to the point where he becomes a poor selection, but to where using a second-round pick on him would not be the best approach. – RJ

Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings – The hamstring injury strengthens my case, even if it ends up being a minor injury. Iâ€m fine with Sabonis in certain builds, but there are so many other players in the second round that Iâ€m really excited about this season. Plus, I just donâ€t feel confident in Sacramento having a good season, which makes me want to steer clear when I can. -NR

Round 3

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers – Despite being sidelined by sciatica, James still has a third-round ADP heading into the final weekend before the regular season. I understand the man’s greatness, but the ADP is too high considering the circumstances. The Lakers will prioritize ensuring James, who turns 41 in December, is healthy for the stretch run. That could make him a more challenging player to rely on during the “dog days” of the NBA season. – RJ

Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors – I still like Barnes long-term, but heâ€s looked rough during the preseason, and there are so many ways that this season can go south for Toronto. Playing alongside Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram could also limit Barnesâ€ touches. Hopefully, heâ€s able to make up for it with bonus defensive production. -NR

NBA: Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Bucks

Fantasy Basketball Category Punt Guide for 2025-26

Depending on the category youâ€re willing to punt, players like Giannis Antetokounmpo will have greater fantasy value.

Round 4

Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies – Sadly, fellow South Carolina native Zion Williamson is another option for this spot, as both have struggled to remain healthy during their NBA careers. In Morant’s case, it feels like a safe bet that he’ll have at least one extended absence during the season, and he sat out the preseason with an ankle injury. One would hope he’ll stay relatively healthy, but Morant played 59 games the prior two seasons and has not surpassed 65 games since his rookie campaign. – RJ

Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers – Zubac is coming off the best season of his career. He took legitimate steps forward, but the lack of an effective backup center forced him into a career-high for minutes. With Brook Lopez and John Collins in town, Iâ€m confident that Tyronn Lue doesnâ€t play Zubac quite as much as he did last year. -NR

Round 5

Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz – Due to his skill set, selecting Markkanen in the fifth round can represent excellent value. The issue for me is the franchise he plays for. Utah said all the right things during the offseason regarding competing after a few seasons or tanking, but how high can they finish in the West? Add in a 2026 draft class that appears very strong at the top, with BYU’s AJ Dybanta in the mix to go first overall, and I’m not sure they’ll let established players like Markkanen “run through the tape” this season. – RJ

Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls – If you donâ€t like taking risks, this is probably a fine pick for you. Vucevic started off playing at a high level last season, but he cooled off as the year progressed. Heâ€s pretty reliable, but he’s 35 years old. Iâ€m not confident that heâ€ll return fifth round value. -NR

Round 6

Josh Hart, New York Knicks – Hart returned excellent fantasy value last season. Boasting Yahoo! ADP of 116, he finished the year just outside the top-25 in nine-cat per-game value. Unfortunately, Hart has been banged up during the preseason, dealing with an aggravation of a prior finger injury and a back issue. Add in the likelihood that Mitchell Robinson will replace him in the starting lineup, and Hart’s ceiling appears to be considerably lower than last season’s when he was a starter. – RJ

DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings – DeRozan regressed late last season, but people seem happy to take him in the top-75. I just think the risks outweigh the rewards. On a team with Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, Dennis Schroder and now Russell Westbrook, is there enough touches to go around? I could see DeRozan taking a pretty significant step back this season. -NR

Round 7

Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns – Green is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and won’t be available when the regular season begins. Beyond that, I’m not sold on his fantasy potential, especially as part of a Suns roster that seems stuck between rebuilding and trying to sneak into the postseason. Green will undoubtedly have opportunities, but the inefficient shooting is an issue. – RJ

Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers – I think Iâ€ll just let someone else take George here. Heâ€s gonna miss the start of the season, and when he was available last season, he wasnâ€t as good as he had been. Thereâ€s tremendous upside with this pick if he is able to return to who he was two years ago, but Iâ€m just not a believer in that happening. -NR

Round 8

RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors – As of October 17, Barrett had a Yahoo! ADP of 91.4, which is too high for me. Not only has he never been a top-100 player in per-game or total value, but he has just one top-150 season to his credit. Add in Brandon Ingram being healthy, and I don’t see Barrett returning top-100 fantasy value this season. – RJ

Kelâ€el Ware, Miami Heat – Ware has started in two preseason games for the Heat, but they were both games where Nikola Jovic didnâ€t play. Though Ware has looked good during the preseason, he has been a reserve. I donâ€t dislike many picks in this range, and I donâ€t absolutely hate selecting Ware here, but Iâ€d rather wait a little bit to add a backup big. -NR

Round 9

Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons – Ivey was playing good basketball last season at the time of his leg injury, which ended his 2024-25 campaign on New Year’s Day. Unfortunately, a knee procedure unrelated to the fractured fibula suffered last year will keep Ivey out for at least four weeks. Combined with Ausar Thompson’s emergence, that may conspire to limit Ivey’s fantasy value this season. He certainly would not be a “bad” pick, but there’s reason for concern. – RJ

Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets – This is not a talent issue; Claxton can be a borderline top-25 player in category leagues when heâ€s in the right situation. This Nets team simply isnâ€t that. Brooklyn is going to be bad (by design), which makes Claxton a shutdown candidate. Plus, even though Brooklyn added a bunch of ball handlers, he isnâ€t going to have an elite pick-and-roll operator to set him up at the rim. This is a recipe for a disaster season for Claxton, though it will likely lead to him being a value pick next year. -NR

Round 10

Dennis SchrÃ¶der, Sacramento Kings – As great as SchrÃ¶der looked in leading Germany to EuroBasket glory this summer, I’m not too big on his fit in Sacramento, especially with the Kings signing Russell Westbrook. The starting lineup includes two wings in Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan who like to play with the ball in their hands, and center Domantas Sabonis also has playmaking abilities that he can showcase. SchrÃ¶der has been a top-150 player once in the last five seasons, during the 2023-24 campaign. – RJ

Keyonte George, Utah Jazz – George has been starting during the preseason, but Isaiah Collier hasnâ€t been healthy. I assume that Collier will be the starting point guard when heâ€s available, but even if George starts, he hasnâ€t been effective in category leagues. Heâ€s an inefficient scoring guard that doesnâ€t get defensive stats. The assists have been decent at times, but heâ€s not a player Iâ€m looking to draft this year. -NR

What is your favorite punt build, and why?

Punt turnovers

I like punting this category because it keeps so many roster-building options open. High-usage players benefit the most from this approach, whether you’re talking about point guards or post players. I’m not passing on Cade Cunningham or Anthony Edwards because of their turnover numbers; I’m fine losing that category. – RJ

Punt threes and frees

This works out well with Giannis! Some of my favorite players to watch and draft are athletic freaks that rack up defensive stats and get to the rim. Usually, theyâ€re below average shooters. Plus, you can add shooters in the last few rounds to at least give yourself a chance to win threes any week. There are way more elite shooters than elite defenders that are available at the end of drafts. – NR

What is your least favorite punt build, and why?

Punt points

Maybe you can get away with this in Yahoo’s new High Score game, but I’d prefer not to do this in traditional fantasy formats. Things can get really weird when punting the points category. Of the top 24 players in fantasy basketball last season, only one averaged less than 18.5 points per game: Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels. For this reason, I prefer not to punt points. – RJ

Punt defense

Defense wins championships, or something like that. Itâ€s certainly a strategy, but itâ€s honestly pretty boring to punt both steals and blocks. Plus, players that donâ€t play defense can be taken off the floor if their offense isnâ€t offsetting those issues. -NR

How do you identify value in drafts?

The first step for me is to identify the categories in which a player can provide solid production. The more, the merrier, especially when drafting in the early rounds. I’d prefer to avoid a scenario in which I’m selecting a player who’s deficient in multiple categories, but that’s unavoidable at times. You can usually pick off a “specialist” or two in the later rounds to help address production gaps, so I’d prefer not to do that early. I try to to worry too much about the ADP data that may be displayed on a draft board, as that can be somewhat deceiving. – RJ

Zig when others zag. When other people are loading up on specific categories or positions, add what nobody else is adding that round. Try and balance getting â€œyour guysâ€ with players that may have slipped further than they should. There arenâ€t really any â€œbad playersâ€ in fantasy basketball, but there are bad picks. I have zero interest in drafting Paul George this year, but at what point has he fallen far enough for me to take him? Pick 90? Pick 100? Everyone will have a different number for that. -NR

How do you leverage rankings to your advantage while drafting?

Rankings help, but having a proper understanding of player roles and places within their team’s rotations is of far greater importance. How much did a preseason injury impact the player’s role? It’s not enough to have the numbers (rankings); you also have to know what’s influencing them. If you have that information and the other managers in your league don’t, that goes a long way toward being able to win. – RJ

Most people you draft with are going to draft players close to where theyâ€re ranked on the platform youâ€re drafting on. Itâ€s just natural. Sometimes, I fall victim to it as well. That helps you get a nice range of when you need to reach for someone. If youâ€re at pick 49 and know your next pick is 72, but â€œyour guyâ€ has an ADP of 74, you may need to consider reaching to ensure you get that player, especially if everyone youâ€re drafting against is aware of your biases. – NR

How soon do you reach for your guys? Describe your approach to reaching in general.

I tend to be more conservative when it comes to reaching. The third round is when I’ll begin to consider doing something wild, depending on how the draft board has played out. The other area where I’ll reach is in the final two or three rounds, which may be what a lot of drafters look to do. If taking a swing works out, you’ve got a player who may help you win the league. If not? You aren’t losing out on too much from a value standpoint if you have to drop a late-round pick. – RJ

Typically, I try not to reach early in drafts. As the draft progresses, Iâ€m more likely to reach further down the board. In the first couple rounds, Iâ€ll reach a few spots. In the middle rounds, Iâ€ll reach by a round or two. Once it gets past pick 90-100, itâ€s a free-for-all. Also, it helps to even things out. If you reach for a player in round six, make a value pick in round seven to help mitigate the risk. – NR

Name 3 players youâ€re much higher on than consensus.

OG Anunoby – I think the Knicks wings are in for excellent seasons with Mike Brown at the helm. Anunoby was a top-40 player last season, yet still has an ADP in the sixties. – RJ

Devin Vassell – While the scoring did decrease last season, I think Vassell is in for a bounce-back season. Instead of focusing on getting healthy, he was able to focus on improving his game this summer, which should pay dividends. – RJ

Trey Murphy – His Yahoo! ADP places him in the fourth round of 12-team leagues, which is respectable. But I think he’ll be even more productive than he was during the 2024-25 campaign, even with Zion Williamson back in the mix. Don’t be surprised if Murphy puts up a top-25 season. – RJ

Ausar Thompson – Itâ€s breakout season for Ausar. I think we can be talking about him as a round three pick at this time next season. – NR

Jordan Poole – For dynasty managers, Pooleâ€s value has a clock on it, but heâ€s going to be really good this season. – NR

Brandin Podziemski – Podz was a top-75 player in category leagues over the final two months of last season, but heâ€s going outside the top-120 in Yahoo! leagues. That doesnâ€t make sense to me. Steve Kerr will continue to toy with the Warriorsâ€ lineup, which will be a headache, but heâ€s worth a top-100 selection. – NR

Name 3 players youâ€re much lower on than consensus.

Domantas Sabonis – His ADP has decreased somewhat after being just outside the top-10, but the team situation still concerns me. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan will need their touches, as will new point guard Dennis SchrÃ¶der. And now the Kings have added Russell Westbrook? Sabonis’ points and assists may take a hit this season. – RJ

Ivica Zubac – Zubac is coming off a career year, but Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has already said during the preseason that he believes his starting center played too much last season. To that point, the Clippers added John Collins and Brook Lopez during the offseason, which may push Zubac back below 30 minutes per game (he averaged nearly 33 minutes in 2024-25). – RJ

Jaylen Brown – Due to Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury and the departure of multiple rotation players, Brown’s role will expand. However, will his percentages and turnovers improve? That’s been the issue for him in the past regarding fantasy value, and I’m not sold on Brown being able to improve in those areas while leading a roster that’s taken a step back. – RJ

Jalen Brunson – I think Brunson is really, really good. I just donâ€t think things are set up in New York for him to return second-round value, which is where heâ€s going in Yahoo! leagues. Mike Brown is likely going to manage his minutes and usage more than Tom Thibodeau did. – NR

Josh Giddey – I understand why people are high on Giddey this season. He was phenomenal down the stretch of last season. I just donâ€t think Iâ€d take him until the fourth round, but heâ€s been going in round two of most of the recent drafts Iâ€ve participated in. Heâ€ll be a quality source of rebounds and assists this year, but Iâ€m not confident that heâ€ll do enough elsewhere to make him worth your second selection. – NR

Jalen Green – I think a fresh start will be good for Green, but I donâ€t think that means heâ€s going to be better than he had been previously. Itâ€s not like he didnâ€t have a green light in Houston. Weâ€ve seen Green in a high-usage role, and thatâ€s what heâ€s going to play in Phoenix. I donâ€t see why heâ€s a top-75 pick now. – NR

Which 3 players have the biggest range of outcomes this season?

Joel Embiid – At his current ADP, he can be a league-winner if reasonably healthy due to the ability to provide elite fantasy value. However, there’s also the possibility of another significant injury that would put him on the shelf. Embiid could be anywhere from top-5 to a player who can’t be rostered due to the injury concerns. – RJ

Scottie Barnes – The overall skill set is such that he can be a solid fantasy option, even with the lack of three-point shooting. However, Barnes struggled during the preseason and seems to have regressed as a perimeter shooter. Add in Brandon Ingram, and Barnes’ ceiling and floor are separated by a significant amount. – RJ

Mark Williams – The Suns center has a seventh-round ADP in Yahoo! leagues, but there’s no telling when he’ll be cleared to play in games. When available, he has top-50 fantasy potential. However, Williams played 43, 19 and 44 games in his first three NBA seasons. Betting on him being able to stay relatively healthy is a major risk, even in the middle rounds of drafts. – RJ

Alperen Sengun – Sengun appears poised for a breakout season, and he could average career-highs across the board and bounce back after a drop in field goal percentage last season, which could result in elite value. However, he has yet to finish in the top-50 in nine-cat leagues, and there is a scenario where the emergence of Amen Thompson and addition of Kevin Durant prevents Sengun from breaking out. Iâ€d lean towards the first option, but the second is a real possibility. – NR

Joel Embiid – This oneâ€s obvious. Heâ€s capable of being a top-five player in fantasy basketball, but the injury question marks are real. He could win you leagues, and he could lose you leagues. – NR

Lauri Markkanen – Markkanen is coming off a rough season, but I think heâ€ll bounce back. After two straight top-20 seasons, he finished barely inside the top-100 last year. Either could happen this year, though Iâ€d lean towards him being a top-50 player. – NR

Name 3 late-round fliers you love taking.

Ryan Kalkbrenner – He may not be guaranteed to be the Hornets’ starting center on opening night, but he’s the best option as far as fantasy basketball is concerned. And good luck keeping a 7-footer who was a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year off the floor. And you’ve probably seen my reaction to being sniped on Kalkbrenner by now. – RJ

Brandin Podziemski – Referring to Podziemski as a late-round flier feels weird, but he qualifies based on his ADP. He fit well in the Warriors’ starting lineup after the team acquired Jimmy Butler III in February, and I see no reason for that to change this season. – RJ

VJ Edgecombe – Another rookie makes the cut for me. Due to the combination of his athleticism and Jared McCain’s most recent injury, Edgecombe is well-positioned to hit the ground running in Philadelphia, whether he starts or comes off the bench. Cooper Flagg is the betting favorite to win Rookie of the Year, but I fully expect Edgecombe to be, at minimum, a finalist for the award. – RJ

Taylor Hendricks – Somebodyâ€s going to have to play defense in Utah. Hendricks has upside to be a productive offensive player, but heâ€ll at least be on the floor and able to provide defensive stats. – NR

Nikola Jovic – Heâ€s starting, and heâ€s able to provide well-rounded production. I get that Kelâ€el Ware being there scares people off, but he could end up starting all season. – NR

Ryan Dunn – Much like Hendricks, Dunnâ€s defense is going to keep him in the starting lineup. The offense is shaky, but it was much better as a rookie than we expected. Draft him for the defense and enjoy whatever offense he can give as a bonus. – NR

Describe Your Favorite Draft Strategy.

No dice rolls until the third round

I play it relatively safe in the first two rounds, looking to go with “best available” in the first and then a solid complementary option in the second who can fill any apparent gaps. After that, I’m rolling the dice. That leads to some risks, but the reward outweighs the risk for me. If you’re right, that may be what pushes your team to the top of the league. And if not, there’s always the ability to make trades, provided you don’t wait too long to make a move. – RJ

Get your guys, and then even things out

Early on, get your favorite player in the first few rounds. Can’t go wrong either way. In the middle rounds, take a few swings, but when you’re not reaching, take the value pick. It helps make you feel a little better about taking a risk. As I said earlier in the article, the worst feeling is to leave your draft without that guys that you just have to have because you were playing it too safe. Set yourself up to take a risk by taking the value picks when you can. – NR

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Basketball

Fantasy Basketball: 5 last-minute tips to help you crush your draft

Lajina HossainOctober 17, 2025

It’s crunch time. With the 2025â€‘26 NBA season tipping off Tuesday, this is your last chance to fine-tune your fantasy basketball draft strategy. A few smart moves now can be the difference between a middling roster and a championship run.

[High Score is a new way to play Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo with simple rosters and scoring. Create or join a league]

1. Revisit format nuances

Know your scoring system inside and out depending on the format â€” High Score, Categories or Points. Yahoo’s new High Score format, for instance, rewards big single-game performances more heavily â€” so boom-or-bust players carry extra allure.

Meanwhile, in category or Roto leagues, balance across stats is still paramount.

Even knowing how many injured list or IL+ spots are beneficial, as you may be able to stash players who can become more valuable by mid-season.

2. Get “Your Guys”

As your draft heads into the middle and late rounds, stop playing it safe â€” start swinging for ceiling outcomes. In High Score leagues especially, week-winning upside is what matters most. Don’t be afraid to reach for breakout candidates or buzzy preseason risers.

Players like Ausar Thompson, Matas Buzelis or Tari Eason all have the raw explosiveness to spike 40+ fantasy point games or offer a ceiling high enough to outperform their respective ADPs. These are the picks that can win you a week â€” and a championship.

Learn more about High Score

3. Pay attention to the risers and fallers

Monitoring player and team news can be daunting. Check out my latest rankings, tiers and cheatsheet, so you know when to target players â€” backups elevated in camp, players missing early preseason or final injury reports. For example, Jaren Jackson Jr. (toe) made his preseason debut on Thursday, scoring 17 points against the Hornets. His return to the lineup downgrades popular sleeper Santi Aldama.

Don’t be afraid to flip your mid-to-late picks for sleepers who are climbing up draft boards, like Shaedon Sharpe. You can also view which players’ ADPs are trending up or down to give you a perspective of how the market is viewing each player heading into the final draft weekend.

4. Know your league, not just the NBA

Success in fantasy basketball isn’t just about player skill â€” it’s about league dynamics. Study your draft room: Are managers reaching? Ignoring older vets? Are they punt categories or chasing names? Understanding how your league-mates draft lets you zig when they zag. Adjust in real time. Drafting isn’t just about sticking to rankings â€” it’s about recognizing how others are picking and finding value where they aren’t looking.

5. Use schedule awareness & playoff matters

Regardless of your league format, the schedule always plays an integral role in how you manage your lineups. I use the Hashtag Basketball’s Advanced Schedule Gridto organize and plan out my moves throughout the week.

Also, be sure to look downstream to see which teams may not be as valuable come playoff time. For instance, the Nuggets and the Knicks play two games during Yahoo’s default championship in Week 23. An extra game in March or April can tilt a head-to-head matchup or a title run.

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Fantasy Basketball 2025-26: 15 tips to make draft day (and your season) more fun

Lajina HossainOctober 17, 2025

With the preseason concluding on Friday, October 17, many fantasy leagues usually hold their drafts now. There are no games to worry about over the weekend, and NBA teams will finalize their rosters. We’ll have a general idea of each team’s rotation, including factoring in how they’ll compensate for players who won’t be available when the regular season begins on October 21.

The NBA returns to NBC and streams on Peacock on Tuesday, October 21 with an Opening Night doubleheader featuring the Houston Rockets vs. the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by Golden State Warriors at the Los Angeles Lakers at 10 p.m.

With many fantasy basketball drafts being held this weekend, Rotoworld’s Raphielle Johnson, Noah Rubin and Zak Hanshew have some tips that should help make the fantasy basketball process fun and hopefully rewarding.

NBA: Playoffs-Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers

How to Play Fantasy Basketball 2025-26: Draft tips and beginnerâ€s guide

With fantasy basketball drafts beginning this month, hereâ€s everything first-time players need to know about how to play and win their league.

1. Enter the draft with a list of â€œyour guys,â€ but donâ€t be afraid to pivot

No matter which draft guide you’ve read during the preseason, writers will have lists of their “guys” that they’re high on entering the season. You can and should use that information and your gut feelings to craft a list of players you’re hoping to land in your draft. However, whether or not you get those players will be impacted by the roster build and the moves made by other managers. Don’t be afraid to go in a different direction based on who’s still on the board. – Raphielle Johnson

2. Reach for your guys

I’ve broken this rule enough to know it never feels good when you leave your draft without that player. For me, Jalen Johnson and Ausar Thompson fit this description best this season. Last season, it was Dyson Daniels. The year before, it was Derrick White. This isn’t me saying that it will always hit; I have definitely had players I just HAD to have that ended up having a terrible season. But the worst thing is when you try to wait for your guy at ADP, and they get scooped up by someone else. Don’t let it happen. – Noah Rubin

3. Read and React

If you’ve played or watched basketball at any level, you’ve heard the phrase “Read and React.” You’re taking what the defense gives you on offense rather than running a play and going through the motions. See the backdoor cut, find an open three-point shooter, drive the lane if the defense is spread out. You get the idea.

The same is true when drafting a fantasy basketball team. I may come into a draft with certain players on my “Do Not Draft” list, but lists like that should be loose. I won’t take Joel Embiid in the first three rounds, but if he’s available at Pick 50, you bet I’ll be scooping him up! RJ Barrett at Pick 120? Say less.

Don’t be stubborn in your strategy. Be adaptable. Take what the Draft Room gives you. Read and React. – Zak Hanshew

4. Youâ€ll want to draft a high-level big man early

The good news is that, after Nikola JokiÄ‡ and Victor Wembanyama, there will still be more than a few post players on the board who can return excellent value. So, this advice won’t apply to the first round alone. You may want to draft at least one high-level frontcourt player early. Alperen ÅžengÃ¼n appears poised for a big year in Houston, while Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis has consistently offered excellent value (his ADP may be a bit high for my liking). Being able to build out a roster and not have to worry about the center position can be helpful, as it will likely be easier to find solid guards and wings in the later rounds than big men. – RJ

5. Do Your Homework

Pay attention to the latest news. Preseason injuries have piled up quickly this year, and being out of the loop can have dramatic consequences. Guys like Domantas Sabonis, Jalen Williams and Jalen Green are all set to miss time to start the season. Ditto LeBron James. Oh, and don’t forget Paul George.

Joel Embiid? He might actually play in the season-opener. Staying up-to-date on the latest news can keep you from reaching for a player who may not be readily available. It can also give you insight into who might pick up the slack. Is Cason Wallace a sneaky upside pick in standard leagues? What about Aaron Wiggins in deeper formats? Can Grayson Allen provide early-season value as a starter for the Suns? Is Embiid worth a look in Rounds 4-5? – ZH

6. Draft players that you want to watch

Is it fun to draft players and watch the box score to see who wins? I mean, maybe for some people, but getting a little skin in the game makes things more entertaining for me. Get someone from your favorite or local team. Watch them in person if you’re able. Fantasy basketball is most fun when you’re watching your team’s stars shine. – NR

7. Remain flexible when it comes to your draft strategy

Sometimes, it can be easy to lock yourself into a particular strategy early in a draft. For many who draft Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s easy to decide at that point that you’ll be punting free-throw percentage and/or three-pointers. However, one should remain flexible in this approach. One can never know what the other managers in a league will do with their draft picks, so stay flexible. The ability to do so could be the difference between winning some money and ending the season empty-handed. – RJ

NBA: Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Bucks

Fantasy Basketball Category Punt Guide for 2025-26

Depending on the category youâ€re willing to punt, players like Giannis Antetokounmpo will have greater fantasy value.

8. â€œTo Thine Own Self Be Trueâ€

Polonius’ immortal words from Shakespeare’s Hamlet fit aptly into the realm of fantasy basketball.

There are so many excellent fantasy analysts, and they deliver a TON of content on the web, in apps and on social media. Absorb the information, and seek other points of view so you’re not lost in an echo chamber. Digest that information, but don’t let it change how you draft. Like a guy in the mid rounds, but his “expert ranking” is in the later rounds? Take him where you think it’s appropriate. High on a player labeled as a “consensus bust?” Draft him anyway.

Stay true to yourself when drafting your fantasy basketball team. Whether you like playing it safe or prefer to swing for the fences with high-risk, high-reward players, do what feels right. Take in the outside noise, but don’t let it change your strategy. – ZH

9. Check your leagueâ€s scoring settings

It’s not fun to draft a team that would’ve been good in a different league but doesn’t have the same juice in the one you’re playing in. This is more for points leagues, though it can still be important in category leagues if it isn’t the standard nine categories. I’ve played in leagues with bonuses for double-doubles and triple-doubles, leagues that take points for ejections, leagues that give you two points per rebound and another for an offensive rebound and a bunch of other weird rules. If you know where to take advantage early on, you can exploit the rankings in your draft room. – NR

10. Know the league roster rules

This may not be the “sexiest” piece of advice when competing in a fantasy league, but it may be the most important. If you don’t know what your league’s roster is supposed to look like, how are you supposed to win? Managers who neglect to understand their rosters fully can certainly come out on top, but you’re saving yourself some potential aggravation by knowing that information before the draft begins. How many centers do you need to have in your lineup? Does your league have standard IL spots or the far superior IL+ spots?

Also, be sure to know the rules for free agents. Is it “first come, first served,” or will you have to place a bid for all, whether the player is a free agent or on waivers? If you don’t have to worry about knowing the rules, that’s a big part of the battle regarding winning your league. – RJ

Orlando Magic Media Day

2025-26 Fantasy Basketball: Franz Wagner, Zion Williamson headline staff favorites

Rotoworld basketball analysts Cole Huff, Noah Rubin, Raphielle Johnson and Zak Hanshew pick their â€œguysâ€ for the upcoming fantasy season.

11. Mock Draft

Practice makes perfect. Mock draft from multiple different spots and with many different people. Start early and continue throughout the offseason to understand trends, track ADP risers and fallers and get a general feel for how you like to approach the early, middle and late rounds of drafts. A good opening is important in chess, but Garry Kasparov wouldn’t have become one of the greatest of all time without a strong endgame. Ensure you are prepared for as many scenarios as possible so you don’t get stumped on draft day. – ZH

12. Play with people you know

This isn’t saying you can’t have fun playing with strangers, but I have found that the optimal experience for me is to play with people I want to talk to throughout the season. Whether it’s friends I can meet up with in person for a draft or people I know online, it makes it more fun to talk trash, tell jokes, or communicate throughout the year. It also makes it easier to make trades. If you’re playing with people you don’t know, get to know them! Use a league chat, whether it’s on your fantasy platform or on a different app, create a space to talk to your league mates. – NR

13. This one is serious. Know your limits, whether itâ€s financially or what â€œforfeitâ€ youâ€re willing to do if you finish dead last

Losing is no fun; quite frankly, no one wants to plan for the possibility. But, be sure only to take on what you’re willing and able to handle, whether it’s a financial loss or potentially having to do something silly if your team finishes dead last (like getting a tattoo, for example). Failing to do so can result in a negative fantasy experience, and possibly some hard feelings if playing amongst friends. Be sure to keep things fun. – RJ

14. Branch Out, Have Fun!

Of course, you’re going to take it seriously. Of course, you’re going to dive into analytics and mock drafts. Of course, you’re going to do your homework and keep up-to-date on the latest news. But at the end of the day, don’t forget that fantasy hoops is about having fun. Get your guys. Try playing using a new format. Play with new groups of people. Get your family and friends involved. Enjoy yourself! Otherwise, what are we doing here? – ZH

Too on the nose? I don’t care! One last plug for the content we’ve worked on throughout the preseason. Mock drafts, rankings, strategy guides and player profiles to help you win your league. Utilize the free content to help you make decisions! – NR

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Sportsnet’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings: October Edition

Lajina HossainOctober 15, 2025

Weâ€re back baby!

No surprise, but our first ranking of the season sees Gavin McKenna of Penn State earn top billing. While itâ€s too early to forecast what this draft class looks like, we do know that McKenna has franchise-changing ability. He did everything he could at Medicine Hat, including a trip to the Memorial Cup with the Tigers last season. In two plus seasons, McKenna compiled 79 goals and 244 points in just 133 games played. Heâ€s also checked all the boxes internationally. As such, in order to take his game to a new level, McKenna committed to Penn State and the NCAA.

On a larger scale, McKenna is the face of the new landscape in the prospect world. In August the NCAA ruled CHL players were eligible to play in their league where previously the path was either CHL or NCAA. Meantime, NCAA players have always been welcomed to the CHL.

The end result is a number of players who previously would have thought about the USHL or one of Canadaâ€s Tier 2 leagues as a path to the NCAA, are now choosing to go to the CHL first, and then on to the NCAA. For the most part, itâ€s older players who are extending their highly competitive hockey window with full NCAA eligibility. But there are also players like McKenna and former Victoria Royals defenceman Keaton Verhoeff who are choosing the NCAA in their first year of NHL draft eligibility. And there are still others, such as Jackson Smith (CBJ, 14th overall in 2025) and Cole Reschny (Calgary, 18th overall in 2025) who have forgone signing with their NHL teams to test-drive the NCAA and its NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities.

Taking a macro look at this new and changing landscape, weâ€re not likely to have any sort of regularity for another three to five years.

As for this draft class, weâ€re projecting another first round full of CHL players. There were 21 CHL trained players taken in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft and reaching that number — despite McKenna and Verhoeff going to the NCAA — should be similar this year. The WHL looks to be the strongest of the three leagues, with the OHL in close proximity. Three QMJHL players were taken in Round 1 last year and that number should be similar again in 2026.

Weâ€re also seeing plenty of Swedish content, while the Finns are in a two-year funk in terms of first round projections. Russian-born players will also play a part despite only one, goalie Pyotr Andreyanov (Columbus, 20th), being taken in Round 1 in 2025. As usual, there will be plenty of interest in US-born players, although it’s a second straight down year for the USNTDP regarding first-round talent.

On or around October 20, NHL Central Scouting will release its first ‘Watch List’ of the season, which always creates plenty of buzz.

In the meantime, hereâ€s our first ranking of the season.

No. 1: Gavin McKenna, LW, 6-foot, 165 pounds, Penn State (NCAA)

Where he played was never going to have an impact on his draft status. McKenna will go wire-to-wire as the top-rated prospect for this draft. Offensively, he’s as gifted as anyone weâ€ve seen in this spot in the past 10 years, Jack Hughes and Connor Bedard included. Heâ€s light on his skates, knows where everyone on the ice is at all times and he executes plays like no one else in this class. Even if his production wavers, the hype train is already well in-motion. Jason Bukala broke down a deeper scouting report on McKenna here.

No. 2: Ivar Stenberg, LW, 6-foot, 180 pounds, Frolunda (SHL)

Itâ€s not just his late birthday that has allowed him to play with older players against older competition. Stenbergâ€s talent has actually allowed him to play up in the lineup while playing a year ahead. No doubt he will be compared to his older brother Otto who was selected 25th overall by St. Louis in 2023, but they are different players. Point production comes easier to Ivar, who is a dual threat to score or make elite offensive plays. He shows no fear in going to the hard areas and is a responsible defensive player.

No. 3: Keaton Verhoeff, D, 6-foot-4, 212 pounds, North Dakota (NCAA)

Made a gutsy call when he decided to join Victoria teammate Cole Reschny at North Dakota. Reschny was Calgaryâ€s first round pick, 18th overall in 2025, while Verhoeff is expected to go shortly after McKenna in June. He doesnâ€t possess McKennaâ€s track record and plays a different position, so it will be fascinating to track Verhoeff’s progress as a draft eligible defenceman in college. The debate will be heavy as to whether he was better off getting more games in the CHL, or utilizing a lighter NCAA schedule to become stronger. Only time will tell. He has checked all the boxes on the way up the developmental ladder from Canadaâ€s Youth Olympic team through gold medals at the U17s and U18 worlds. Most recently, he was Canadaâ€s captain in a bronze medal-winning performance at the Hlinka-Gretzky.

No. 4: Ethan Belchetz, LW, 6-foot-5, 227 pounds, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

His size always allowed him to dominate youth hockey, and now he is doing the same in the OHL. Last year, Belchetz put up four goals in his third ever OHL game, but tailed off to score just 13 more in the next 53 contests. He roams the ice like he owns it. His hands and feet work well together to create additional space to execute plays. Heâ€s got a big league shot that is effective from distance. I like the fact that he plays in a Windsor lineup with other over-sized players like Chicago prospect AJ Spellacy, and Kings prospect Liam Greentree. Belchetz is a different player, with more offensive upside than both, but he can definitely get some guidance from them on how to navigate his draft season.

No. 5: Ryan Roobroeck, C, 6-foot-4, 216 pounds, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Has already set a high bar for himself, having put up 41 goals and 86 points in his draft minus-one season in the OHL. That production is made all the more impressive considering thereâ€s been a lot of noise in the organization since the day he was drafted. With Frank Evola now running the ship, things will settle down this season. Evola brought in head coach Krys Barch who was a solid OHL producer with size and someone Roobroeck can take mentorship from. Another great late birthday player in this draft, Roobroeck’s final ranking will come down to how he progresses in non point-producing situations.

No. 6: Tynan Lawrence, C, 6-foot, 185 pounds, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

Itâ€s been quite a run for the New Brunswick native. He was just shy of point-per-game numbers with USHL Muskegon in 2024-25, then put up 18 playoff points en route to a Clark Cup victory. He was one of Canadaâ€s better players at the Hlinka and was ready to start his draft season before suffering an injury. He is expected back before the end of the month, and will no doubt try to make up for lost time. Lawrence is a buzz-saw player with skill. He will be ready to show the world his solid two-way game. The Lumberjacks developed Sacha Boisvert and Matvei Gridin, both of whom went in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.

No. 7: Viggo Bjorck, RW, 5-foot-10, 172 pounds, Djurgardens (SHL)

Bjorck has put up four points over his first 10 SHL games, while averaging just over 12 minutes of ice. The fact heâ€s playing in the SHL is impressive, considering he got into just one Allsvenskan game last year en route to his club being promoted back to the top division. While the Allsvenskan club was developing both Anton Frondell and Viktor Eklund, who became the third and 16th overall picks last season, Bjorck was tearing up the J20 loop with 74 points as a double underaged player. He is a playmaker first who has great awareness and the skill to make difficult plays on a consistent basis. This player has had eyes on him for years as Swedenâ€s next big thing. Bjorck comes from good bloodlines as his father, Jesper, was a right-shot defenceman who toiled in the Swedish pro ranks for well over a decade.

No. 8: Daxon Rudolph, D, 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

An intriguing player who fits the two-way bill perfectly. He looks to be following a similar path to former Raiders defenceman Kaiden Guhle, who was also a first overall bantam pick. They are similar in size, stature and the way they play. Rudolph has the added bonus of being right-handed. He has the ability to impact the game in a number of ways. He can produce offence and sift shots through from the point. Rudolph can defend both in motion and at the net front. He is a little less intense and his physical play is not at the same level Guhleâ€s was, but thereâ€s definitely profile similarities.

No. 9: Mathis Preston, RW, 5-foot-11, 176 pounds, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Feels like weâ€ve seen this movie before, when scouts were chasing Spokaneâ€s Berkly Catton around prior to the 2024 NHL draft. Right off the hop, you notice Preston plays the game with a ton of swagger. During play, he possesses a deceptive second gear that allows him to burn defenders to the outside. When engaged one-on-one, heâ€s also an effective player working through the triangle. And when it comes to finish, he displays more deception with a quick release that he will use from anywhere in the offensive zone. His shot has some pace, but ultimately itâ€s the quickness of the release and his ability to manipulate the blade to freeze goalies.

No. 10: Juho Piiparinen, D, 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, Tappara (Liiga)

Piiparinen has emerged from what’s a down year in the Finnish class of prospects. He was relied on heavily at the Hlinka-Gretzky, where he came out a plus-4 on a Finnish team that battled hard, but just wasnâ€t quite good enough. This followed a U-18 performance where he was named one of the countryâ€s top players in April. Piiparinenâ€s strength is his defensive game, where he can match-up against anyone in his age group. He leans on opponents, has a good, active stick and is strong enough to outmuscle opponents. He can log big minutes and not lose his effectiveness. Heâ€s played the last eight games in Liiga, and has not looked out of place, averaging around 13 minutes per game.

No. 11: Carson Carels, D, 6-foot-2, 194 pounds, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Thereâ€s plenty to like about the way Carels goes about his business. Getting into seven games at the end of the 2023-24 season helped propel him to a 35-point rookie season last year, on a good Prince George Cougars team. Heâ€s off to a good start again this season and should produce top level, first-pairing offence. He works well on the power play finding lanes to the net for quick-release shots, but when he has time, he can hit it quite hard. He accelerates well with the puck on his stick and has enough puck skills to evade defenders on or supporting the rush. He will play big minutes and is a more than adequate defender.

No. 12: Ryan Lin, D, 5-foot-11, 176 pounds, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

Like many smaller defencemen, the foundational piece to Linâ€s game is his great skating ability. He gets off the mark quickly and moves effortlessly around the ice with a smooth stride and excellent edge work. Lin can process the game as quickly as his feet get him around the ice. Lin did have just under point-per-game numbers in Vancouver last season, and has started this season above that pace. A smart defender, Lin will use his feet to get into the best defensive position. The interesting question surrounding Lin is what will he be at the next level?

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No. 13: Adam Novotny, LW, 6-foot-1, 198 pounds, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

He fits the prototypical Czechia-trained player mould in that he is solid on his skates, gives an honest effort in all three zones and is skilled enough to play in all situations. Novotny brings added physicality to the table and, moving to the OHL this season, he will have a chance to show off how his game translates easily to North America. He has always produced offence internationally and that is notable. It took a few games to figure out his new team and league, but more recently Novotny has found his stride. He projects in a middle-six spot at the NHL level.

No. 14: Chase Reid, D, 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhonds (OHL)

Reid started the 2024-25 season in the NAHL, but by early December, he had outgrown that league and moved to Sault Ste. Marie. It wasnâ€t long before scouts took notice of his great skating ability and offensive instincts. As a late birthday, Reid was able to play in an elevated spot in the Greyhounds lineup last season, drawing scoutsâ€ eyes in preparation for the 2026 draft. Reid is an effortless skater whoâ€s happy to lead or join the rush. He passes the puck like a pro with heaviness and precision. At times, he will be overconfident in trying to force plays, but itâ€s better to have to scale someone back than have to motivate them to do more. Right shot defencemen who have size and skate well are tough to find and are super expensive on the free agent market.

No. 15: Elton Hermansson, RW, 6-foot-1, 181 pounds, MODO (Allsvenskan)

A player who’s always in motion, Hermansson is constantly looking for ways to get the puck to the net. He is unfazed trying to score from distance, but has shown good skill bringing his offensive game to the interior. On the power play, he can play off the wall, but will dart to the net front to track loose pucks. He produced 11 points at the Hlinka-Gretzky, and oftentimes the confidence gained by successful play in that event can lead to a good start to the regular season. A return home to MODO should make it easier to bounce between the J20 and Allsvenskan loops. Currently, he has the same point totals as a pro in fewer games than he had in the junior ranks. It is of note that he left Orebro.

No. 16: Tomas Chrenko, C, 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, HK Nitra (Slovakia)

Comes by his skill honestly. His dad, also named Tomas, is a legend in HK Nitra circles where he played over 500 games and has been the GM for over a decade. The younger Tomas is a determined player who plays with a confidence to make difficult plays seem easy. He is an effective open-ice player, but his game is not limited to just that area.

No. 17: Xavier Villeneuve, D, 5-foot-11, 177 pounds, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

He is the type of electric player who brings people to the edge of their seats. Villeneuve is growing physically, which at this point is the one area of caution in his profile. He does make mistakes and can over play the puck at times, but that will improve with experience and maturity. At his best, heâ€s a dynamic player, and a point producer who has the confidence and skill to make plays all over the ice. Heâ€ll likely be the first player off the board from the QMJHL and as such, has already been named to Team CHL for the November CHL/USA Prospects Challenge. I see some Samuel Girard in this player.

No. 18: Marcus Nordmark, LW, 6-foot-1, 184 pounds, Djurgardens (Sweden J20)

Led all players at the 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup with 12 points. Although a small sample size, his seven goals and five helpers are indicative of an effective two-threat offensive player. He definitely has an offensive mindset and is effective on entries. He is not a burner, although his skating is fine. Nordmark chooses to use his smarts and deception and also slows the game down to create offence. He should get into some SHL games this season, and it will be interesting to track his success at that level. Pedigree always plays a role, as his father Robert played over 200 NHL games. Nordmarkâ€s CHL rights are owned by the London Knights, making North America a possibility post-draft.

No. 19: Alberts Smits, D, 6-foot-3, 205 pounds Jukurit (Liiga)

Latvian-born and Finnish-trained, Smits is a sizeable defenceman who is one of two potential first round picks from Latvia. He quietly got into nine Liiga games last year and was used quite heavily considering his age. Heâ€s played almost all of his games in Liiga once again this year, where he is playing roughly 20 minutes a night. Heâ€s a good defender who manages the net front with some authority. He has the length coveted by NHL teams and heâ€s extremely agile for his size. He may not produce top-notch offence, but he will move pucks, be a part of the rush and take enough shots to give his forwards secondary and tertiary chances at the net. His stick skills are good enough for him to play the off-side.

No. 20: Oscar Hemming, LW, 6-foot-4, 194 pounds, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

He was hoping to take the momentum built off a strong Hlinka-Gretzky performance by playing for Finnish coach Jussi Ahokas in Kitchener, but there has been trouble getting his release from his former Finnish team and as a result, Hemming has been in limbo to start the season. His brother Emil was a first round pick of the Dallas Stars in 2024. There is some talk of Oscar taking his game to the unsanctioned BCHL, but the Rangers continue to work on getting him into their lineup. Like a few others in this draft class, he has size, skating ability and hands that are rarely seen in a player his size.

No. 21: Beckham Edwards, LW, 6-foot-1, 181 pounds, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

He was highly sought-after coming out of the minor hockey ranks after a 60-goal, 97-point season played in Detroit. He finished second amongst all OHL rookies with 25 goals last year. He showed a little differently at the Hlinka-Gretzky where he wasnâ€t leaned on as heavily to produce, but played more of a two-way game. That showing was definitely helpful for a player most scouts feel confident will score at the next level. A hard and accurate shot has always been part of the repertoire, but not his only elite element. He thinks the game well, competes on the defensive side and is a useful player on both special teams.

No. 22: Malte Gustafson, D, 6-foot-4, 198 pounds, HV71 (Sweden J20)

Thereâ€s plenty of room to add muscle and strength on this tall, rangy defenceman. There are times in the game where he could show more urgency and that would lead to more puck battle wins, so you hope that is an area of focus to improve on this season. At his best, he works calmly and effectively, using a good stick to defend, but also corraling pucks and making good decisions as to where to move them next. He strikes me as someone who might be more effective playing with and against pros as opposed to dominating the lower ranks.

No. 23: J.P. Hurlbert, LW, 5-foot-11, 176 pounds, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

With player movement at an all-time high, Hurlbert decided to leave the USNTDP in favour of the Kamloops Blazers. He led the U17 version of the USNTDP in points last year, but the allure of playing on a team that has produced the likes of Logan Stankoven and Fraser Minten in recent years, made the decision to go to the WHL more attractive. The move has paid early dividends as Hurlbert put up six pre-season goals before scoring six more in the Blazersâ€ first three regular season games, earning him WHL Player of the Week honours. He currently sits atop the WHL point race. What will be interesting is whether or not Hurlbert is named to the CHL Prospects team that will face his old team in the CHL/USA Prospects Challenge in Alberta next month.

No. 24: Lars Steiner, RW, 5-foot-10, 176 pounds, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)

It’s noticeable how quickly this player gets around. He will surprise defenders by taking good routes and getting under sticks to create havoc in neutral ice and on the forecheck. Swiss players are typically well-versed in the defensive intricacies of the game. He looks smaller than heâ€s listed and has a slight frame, but he is dynamic enough and engaged enough to not be a forgotten player in a game where size is seemingly back in vogue.

No. 25: Nikita Klepov, LW, 6-foot, 180 pounds, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Itâ€s hard for some scouts to trust the early season numbers Klepov has produced in the OHL (7G-7A in eight games), based on the fact he had just 31 points last year in the USHL. In Saginaw, he has been given plenty of opportunity now that Michael Misa is gone. His wide-skating base allows him to protect pucks well, but doesnâ€t limit him from making tight turns with the puck on his stick. He looks similar to Nail Yakupov with his elite handles, lightning quick hands and quick release. Yakupov was an NHL bust, but he was electric at the junior level. Unlike Yakupov, Klepov is a dual American and Russian citizen — in fact he won gold with the US at the Hlinka-Gretzky.

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No. 26: Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW, 6-foot-1, 183 pounds, Orebro (Sweden U20)

He left Norway to pursue higher level hockey in Swedenâ€s Orebro system, where he opened eyes with 41 points in 42 games at the U20 level last season. As a top player in Norway, heâ€s been able to produce at a high level in high leverage international tournaments and that can be challenging when heâ€s consistently matched up against the toughest defenders other countries have to offer. He has been called up to the SHL on a couple of occasions, but hasnâ€t played enough to see how his game works at that level. He lacks the required strength and ‘oomph’ to out-battle opponents along the wall. Thereâ€s some offence to his game and he has decent handles, but this looks more like a player who will need time to realize his potential.

No. 27: Jack Hextall, C, 6-foot, 185 pounds, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

The Americans never send their USNTDP to play in the Hlinka-Gretzky and as a result, their team is usually made up of USHL and high-school players. So right off the hop, Hextall didnâ€t get the benefit of the hype-train typically associated with players in the program. This year was different, as the US select team as it is called, ended up winning. Hextall played a big role in the surprising gold medal-winning effort, having led his team with seven points in the tournament. His production was at his best in the gold medal game where he was in on three of his teamâ€s five goals. Hextall will forecheck and play responsibly in his own end. He gets around the ice well and projects to provide second tier offence.

No. 28: Caleb Malhotra, C, 6-foot-2, 182 pounds, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

The son of NHL legend Manny, Caleb spent his draft minus-one year in the BCHL and with Chilliwack he put up 26 points in 44 games. Once the NCAA ruling on major junior eligibility passed it allowed Malhotra to move back to Ontario, where he played his minor hockey. Originally drafted by Kingston, Malhotraâ€s rights were traded to Brantford in September of 2024. He has already been bestowed with OHL Player of the Week honours and with his size, skill and pedigree, he earns a spot on this list.

No. 29: Alessandro Di Iorio, C, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

He’s yet to play this season due to an injury suffered in early September, but Di Iorio is living off the currency created by a solid rookie season in which he gathered 38 points in 58 games with Sarnia. Heâ€s also played a part internationally, participating in all the events, but not necessarily in top-of-the-lineup roles. Getting back healthy will be key to making a determination as to what he projects to be. Right now, it looks more middle six than top six.

No. 30: Pierce Mbuyi, LW, 5-foot 10, 160 pounds, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

The reigning OHL Rookie of the Year has already committed to Penn State for next season. This decision was made to eliminate the recruitment process from his mind during this, his draft season. The seventh overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Draft has helped his team to a hot start thanks to a point-per-game pace. Mbuyi is an all-around player who uses his intelligence to stay ahead of the game. He competes well, and shoots the puck with authority.

No. 31: William Hakansson, D, 6-foot-4, 207 pounds, Lulea (SHL)

Plays a simple game with little risk.Hakansson is averaging roughly 14 minutes a night, which is quite impressive for a teenaged defenceman in Swedenâ€s top league. He may seem a little too vanilla for a first round projection, and that may be how it plays out. Because he doesnâ€t jump out in any one area of the game, he will get the benefit of the doubt from scouts who get multiple viewings. He has a solid defensive foundation and uses his size to out-position opponents. His length is definitely an asset. Heâ€s quick enough to get back on pucks and passes it with authority once he gets there. However, there are times when he looks a little too cavalier, but thereâ€s enough in his game to know he can do it. With that in mind, thereâ€s a lot of room in the NHL for simple defencemen. Complementary rearguards are like left-handed relievers in baseball — they always have jobs.

No. 32: Jaxon Cover, LW, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, London Knights (OHL)

His story and his inexperience have created a lot of buzz for this still-raw talent. A native of the Cayman Islands, Cover has made his mark in the roller hockey world, but has only been playing ice hockey for five years. He recently captured an OHL Rookie of the Week honour after having played just three games for the Knights last season. While it might be too early for Cover to be included on this list, he will draw the intrigue of scouts everywhere, and he will benefit greatly from the London developmental model.

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Basketball

2025-26 Rotoworld Basketball Expert Mock Draft: Wemby goes No. 1 over Jokic

Lajina HossainOctober 15, 2025

Weâ€re less than a week away from regular season NBA basketball!

The 2025-26 NBA season tips off on NBC and Peacock with a doubleheader on October 21, as the Lakers face the Warriors and the Rockets face the Thunder.

As we navigate the final week of the preseason, the Rotoworld crew got together to host a 12-team, 9-category mock draft with some of the best and brightest minds in the fantasy basketball industry.

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Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworldâ€s fantasy basketball draft coverage.

Here are the analysts who participated and the Draft Order:

1. Zak Hanshew – Rotoworld

2. Nick Shlain – Rotoworld

3. Josh Lloyd – Basketball Monster

4. Eric Samulski – Rotoworld

5. Dan Besbris – Old Man Squad Sports Network

6. Raphiell Johnson – Rotoworld

7. George Bissell – Rotoworld

8. Alex Barutha – Rotowire

9. Dan Titus – Yahoo! Sports

10. Noah Rubin – Rotoworld

11. Adam King – Fantasy Basketball International

12. Papi Roi – Fantasy Basketball Philippines Podcast

Below are the results of our draft with some thoughts and analysis. Why did I take Wemby over Jokic? Which picks were surprising in each round? How early did Cooper Flagg get selected? And which late-round pick did I make to prompt Raphielle Johnson to tell me he hated me?

If you want to watch the entire draft shake out, you can check it out here.

Round 1

1. Victor Wembanyama (SAS – C)

2. Nikola JokiÄ‡ (DEN – C)

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC – PG)

4. Luka DonÄiÄ‡ (LAL – PG,SG)

5. Anthony Edwards (MIN – PG,SG)

6. Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL – PF,C)

7. Anthony Davis (DAL – PF,C)

8. Cade Cunningham (DET – PG,SG)

9. Devin Booker (PHX – PG,SG)

10. James Harden (LAC – PG,SG)

11. Trae Young (ATL – PG)

12. Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK – PF,C)

Thereâ€s a two or three-man debate for the top overall pick in fantasy hoops this season. Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama are the clear top options, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander working his way into the mix.

I went Wemby here, banking on upside rather than consistency and floor with Jokic. Wembanyama has yet to stay healthy for a full season, and heâ€s not as effective as Jokic as a facilitator. Weâ€ve probably seen the best of Joker after last seasonâ€s triple-double average, but the best is yet to come for Wembanyama.

There were a couple of surprises in the first round, as Ant-Man went right after SGA and Luka. Cade Cunningham was a big riser after a breakout 2024-25 campaign, and James Hardenâ€s inclusion in the top-10 highlights his lasting impact on the game so late into his career.

As Raphielle mentioned during the draft, picking in the 5-7 range is particularly difficult, but he was able to get a steal with Giannis at No. 6 after Edwards surprisingly went one pick before that.

Round 2

1. Amen Thompson (HOU – PG,SG,SF)

2. Tyrese Maxey (PHI – PG)

3. Stephen Curry (GSW – PG)

4. Donovan Mitchell (CLE – PG,SG)

5. Kevin Durant (HOU – SF,PF)

6. Jalen Johnson (ATL – SF,PF)

7. Evan Mobley (CLE – PF,C)

8. Domantas Sabonis (SAC – C)

9. Josh Giddey (CHI – PG,SG)

10. Alperen Sengun (HOU – C)

11. Jalen Brunson (NYK – PG)

12. Jalen Williams (OKC – SF,PF)

Thompson is perhaps the biggest riser in 2025-26 fantasy drafts compared to where he was selected in 2024-25. Last season, Thompson was an afterthought in the realm of fantasy hoops, but heâ€s now a consensus first or second-rounder.

Jalen Johnson is another guy fantasy managers hope can replicate his breakout success from a season ago. Ditto Josh Giddey, who was written off after his final season in OKC but found new life with the Bulls.

Is Alperen Sengun ready to take a leap in 2025-26? He was tremendous a season ago, and he looked even better at EuroBasket. Grabbing him at the end of the second round could prove to be a big-time value if he continues to ascend.

Round 3

1. Paolo Banchero (ORL – PF,C)

2. Scottie Barnes (TOR – SG,SF,PF)

3. LaMelo Ball (CHA – PG,SG)

4. Pascal Siakam (IND – PF,C)

5. Derrick White (BOS – PG,SG)

6. Jamal Murray (DEN – PG,SG)

7. Dyson Daniels (ATL – PG,SG,SF)

8. Chet Holmgren (OKC – PF,C)

9. Bam Adebayo (MIA – PF,C)

10. Cooper Flagg (DAL – SF)

11. Kristaps PorziÅ†Ä£is (ATL – PF,C)

12. Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM – PF,C)

I grabbed Jalen Williams at the end of the second round and paired him with Paolo Banchero at the turn. As Noah pointed out in the draft, Bancheroâ€s lack of defensive stats will be offset by Williams and Wemby. Iâ€m a big fan of Bancheroâ€s, and he could be in for a monster season. He was trending up in a big way before getting hurt last season, and a fully healthy campaign could be monstrous. I love his dual eligibility as a PF and C.

The third round is where things started to get pretty interesting. No surprises in Scottie Barnes and LaMelo Ball. Raphielle played it safe with Jamal Murray, whoâ€s been a steady, yet unremarkable contributor throughout his career. Dyson Daniels and Derrick White have rocketed up draft boards thanks to elite production (Daniels) and increased opportunity (White). Porzingis here is a dice roll given his health, but heâ€s been a great per-game contributor when available.

The first rookie came off the board as Noah got his guy in Cooper Flagg. How high can Flagg rise in fantasy hoops this season? He should see a ton of playing time, and he offers elite production on both ends of the floor.

Round 4

1. Deâ€Aaron Fox (SAS – PG,SG)

2. Austin Reaves (LAL – PG,SG)

3. Franz Wagner (ORL – SF,PF)

4. Ja Morant (MEM – PG)

5. Deni Avdija (POR – SF,PF)

6. Jaylen Brown (BOS – SG,SF)

7. Trey Murphy III (NOP – SF,PF)

8. Kawhi Leonard (LAC – SF,PF)

9. LeBron James (LAL – SF,PF)

10. Coby White (CHI – PG,SG)

11. Ivica Zubac (LAC – C)

12. Joel Embiid (PHI – C)

Deâ€Aaron Fox is certainly a gamble here, as heâ€ll be sidelined to open up the season due to a hamstring injury.

LeBron James will miss the first season-opener of his career, so Austin Reaves could be in line for a massive bump in usage. Reaves went seven picks before James in this draft, which is the most fascinating tidbit of the fourth round. Is Jamesâ€ sciatica going to limit him in Year 23?

Coby White this early is too rich for my blood, especially with Josh Giddey running point guard. Ivica Zubac is another guy I wouldnâ€t be comfortable taking in this range due to LAâ€s offseason roster moves.

I rolled the dice once again with the final pick of this round â€¦

Round 5

1. Zion Williamson (NOP – SF,PF)

2. Desmond Bane (ORL – SG,SF)

3. Myles Turner (MIL – C)

4. Jalen Duren (DET – C)

5. Jimmy Butler III (GSW – SF,PF)

6. Darius Garland (CLE – PG)

7. Nikola VuÄeviÄ‡ (CHI – C)

8. Brandon Miller (CHA – SF,PF)

9. Jarrett Allen (CLE – C)

10. Lauri Markkanen (UTA – SF,PF)

11. OG Anunoby (NYK – SF,PF)

12. Payton Pritchard (BOS – PG)

Iâ€m usually opposed to drafting Joel Embiid at all, but getting him at Pick 48 was just way too good to pass up. He missed a ton of time last season and struggled to post elite numbers when on the court. Heâ€s been ramping up activity recently and could be available for the season-opener. When at his best, Embiid is a 30/10/5 guy who can shoot threes and block shots. Thatâ€s incredible value with a huge question mark.

Next up is another injury-prone player, Zion Williamson. Williamson has gotten in better shape during the offseason, and his elite skillset could make him another incredible value. I could have a league-winning pair in Rounds 4-5, or I could have my IL spots filled up quickly. Go big, or go home!

Myles Turner feels like a great value here, but taking Jalen Duren is a bit risky given Detroitâ€s depth. The round wrapped up without too many surprises. Payton Pritchard is a huge riser given Bostonâ€s shallow depth at multiple positions. Will he be a starter or push for 30 minutes off the bench?

Round 6

1. Immanuel Quickley (TOR – PG,SG)

2. Jordan Poole (NOP – PG,SG)

3. Brandon Ingram (TOR – SG,SF,PF)

4. Miles Bridges (CHA – SF,PF)

5. Zach LaVine (SAC – PG,SG)

6. Walker Kessler (UTA – C)

7. Michael Porter Jr. (BKN – SF,PF)

8. Deandre Ayton (LAL – C)

9. DeMar DeRozan (SAC – SF)

10. Jakob Poeltl (TOR – C)

11. Josh Hart (NYK – SG,SF,PF)

12. Cam Thomas (BKN – SG,SF)

A pair of Raptors went off the board here, as Immanuel Quickley will look to put together a fully-healthy season and stuff the stat sheet on a nightly basis. Brandon Ingram could return to form, especially if Toronto utilizes him more as an outside threat.

Several centers went in this round, and Jakob Poeltl is one of my favorite later-round options at the position.

A pair of Nets also came off the board, as Michael Porter Jr. went at Pick 7, and I grabbed my man Cam Thomas at Pick 12. He should be playing for pride and his next contract, giving an added boost to an already promising outlook. Assuming he can stay healthy in 2025-26, Iâ€m counting on Thomas to build on the breakout he had at the end of the 2023-24 season and into the 2024-25 campaign.

Round 7

1. Shaedon Sharpe (POR – SG,SF)

2. Julius Randle (MIN – PF,C)

3. Ausar Thompson (DET – SF,PF)

4. Christian Braun (DEN – SG,SF)

5. Andrew Nembhard (IND – PG,SG)

6. Paul George (PHI – SG,SF,PF)

7. Jalen Green (PHX – PG,SG)

8. Alex Sarr (WAS – C)

9. Rudy Gobert (MIN – C)

10. Donovan Clingan (POR – C)

11. Norman Powell (MIA – SG,SF)

12. Mikal Bridges (NYK – SF,PF)

I was short on guards, so I nabbed Shaedon Sharpe with the first pick of Round 7. Heâ€s been getting a ton of praise from coaches and teammates, and a breakout season could be on tap.

Not too many surprises in this round, other than Alex Sarr. He had a strong rookie campaign, and Washingtonâ€s center depth is thinner than it was a season ago. Is he ready for a breakout, or is a sophomore slump going to disappoint fantasy managers?

Paul George wasnâ€t great last season when on the court, but thereâ€s only one way to go from here, right? Getting him so late in a draft should offset the injury risk.

Ausar Thompson was selected with the third pick. Like his twin Amen (drafted in the second round), heâ€s a player pegged for a potential breakout.

Round 8

1. Matas Buzelis (CHI – SF,PF)

2. Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL – PG,SG)

3. Onyeka Okongwu (ATL – C)

4. Cameron Johnson (DEN – SF,PF)

5. Mark Williams (PHX – C)

6. Kelâ€el Ware (MIA – PF,C)

7. Bennedict Mathurin (IND – SG,SF)

8. John Collins (LAC – PF,C)

9. Santi Aldama (MEM – PF,C)

10. Tyler Herro (MIA – PG,SG)

11. Anfernee Simons (BOS – PG,SG)

12. CJ McCollum (WAS – PG,SG)

Hereâ€s where we started seeing some swings, but there was a ton of potential value in Round 8. Matas Buzelis is a risk/reward option who has become an analyst favorite in the offseason.

Mark Williams and Tyler Herro could be excellent values, but availability is a major concern, given their current injuries and Williamsâ€ extensive history of missing time.

Kelâ€el Ware has had a phenomenal preseason, but can he parlay that success into an elite regular season run? Benedict Mathurin should see a ton of playing time in 2025-26, but can he provide more than just points?

Round 9

1. Jalen Suggs (ORL – PG)

2. RJ Barrett (TOR – SF,PF)

3. Toumani Camara (POR – SF,PF)

4. Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC – C)

5. Devin Vassell (SAS – SG,SF)

6. Draymond Green (GSW – PF,C)

7. Jaden Ivey (DET – PG,SG)

8. Reed Sheppard (HOU – PG,SG)

9. Tari Eason (HOU – SF,PF)

10. Zach Edey (MEM – C)

11. Bradley Beal (LAC – SG,SF)

12. Nic Claxton (BKN – C)

I needed a player with PG eligibility, so I took McCollum in Round 8 and Suggs in Round 9. Iâ€m not thrilled with either selection, but both should see enough usage to provide value in this range.

Draymond Green, Jaden Ivey, Reed Sheppard, and RJ Barrett are some of the least exciting selections here. You know what youâ€re getting with Green, but itâ€s not a ton at this point in his career. Still, you canâ€t find a triple-double threat this late in drafts anywhere else. Ivey, Sheppard and Barrett are big risks given uncertain roles for the first two and questions about Barrettâ€s production outside of scoring.

Round 10

1. Dereck Lively II (DAL – C)

2. Cason Wallace (OKC – PG,SG)

3. Brandin Podziemski (GSW – PG,SG)

4. Naz Reid (MIN – PF,C)

5. Keyonte George (UTA – PG,SG)

6. Jaden McDaniels (MIN – SF,PF)

7. Keegan Murray (SAC – SF,PF)

8. Andrew Wiggins (MIA – SG,SF)

9. Dâ€Angelo Russell (DAL – PG)

10. Tobias Harris (DET – PF)

11. Jrue Holiday (POR – PG,SG)

12. Kyshawn George (WAS – SG,SF)

Weâ€re really into big swing territory here. Dâ€Angelo Russell could be a huge value as Dallasâ€ de facto starting PG until Kyrie Irving returns. Tobias Harris and Jrue Holiday have offered elite production over the years, and even in the autumn of their careers, they should certainly offer enough here to be worth a late-round selection.

Round 11

1. Ace Bailey (UTA – SF)

2. Aaron Gordon (DEN – PF,C)

3. Herbert Jones (NOP – SF,PF)

4. Bobby Portis (MIL – PF,C)

5. Donte DiVincenzo (MIN – PG,SG)

6. Jaylen Wells (MEM – SG,SF)

7. Jayson Tatum (BOS – SF,PF)

8. Stephon Castle (SAS – PG,SG)

9. Aaron Nesmith (IND – SF)

10. Isaiah Jackson (IND – C)

11. Scoot Henderson (POR – PG)

12. Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU – PF,C)

I selected Kyshawn George at the end of Round 10. Heâ€s one of my guys for the 2025-26 season, and Iâ€m expecting strong, two-way production. Ace Bailey is another guy who has impressed in the preseason. Strong play and plenty of opportunities for the rebuilding Jazz give him tremendous upside.

The most notable pick of this round is Jayson Tatum, who has said that he wants to try playing this season. Even if heâ€s able to take the court for a few games, heâ€ll be sitting in one of your IL spots all season until he maybe returns.

Round 12

1. Davion Mitchell (MIA – PG)

2. Khris Middleton (WAS – SF,PF)

3. Kyrie Irving (DAL – PG)

4. Nikola JoviÄ‡ (MIA – PF)

5. Collin Sexton (CHA – PG,SG)

6. Yves Missi (NOP – C)

7. VJ Edgecombe (PHI – SG)

8. Neemias Queta (BOS – PF,C)

9. Cam Whitmore (WAS – SF,PF)

10. Deâ€Andre Hunter (CLE – SF,PF)

11. Klay Thompson (DAL – SG,SF)

12. Ryan Kalkbrenner (CHA – C)

Kyrie Irving will presumably be out until at least the All-Star break. How much can he offer when he returns?

Two more rookies came off the board as VJ Edgecombe went to Raphielle, and I selected Ryan Kalkbrenner. Raphielle is high on Kalkbrenner too, and my selection here caused him to tell me he hated me. Strong words, but hey, I got my guy.

Round 13

1. Jonathan Kuminga (GSW – SF,PF)

2. Malik Monk (SAC – SG)

3. Chris Boucher (BOS – PF,C)

4. Adem Bona (PHI – C)

5. Kelly Oubre Jr. (PHI – SF,PF)

6. Ayo Dosunmu (CHI – SG,SF)

7. Sam Hauser (BOS – SF,PF)

8. Mitchell Robinson (NYK – C)

9. Brice Sensabaugh (UTA – SF,PF)

10. Keon Ellis (SAC – PG,SG) – Rubin

11. Dennis SchrÃ¶der (SAC – PG,SG)

12. Dejounte Murray (NOP – PG,SG)

The final round is all about upside, and thatâ€s what I expect with Kuminga. If the Warriors are truly intent on trading him during the season, theyâ€ll have to showcase him, which means a consistent role and strong production.

Chris Boucher could end up the starting center for Boston, making him a nice pick here. Adem Bona could do the same for the 76ers if (who are we kidding – when) Embiid is forced to miss time.

Sam Hauser should see an increased role for the shorthanded Celtics, and someoneâ€s got to step up for Sacramento. Three – yes three – Kings guards went off the board here. Someoneâ€s got a reliable fantasy option, right?

Could the Knicks utilize a jumbo lineup with Karl-Anthony Towns playing alongside Mitchell Robinson? Even if Robinson comes off the bench, he should see enough playing time to be a viable option, and getting him in the final round is a tremendous value.

The draft closed out with another injured player. Dejounte Murray is an elite, multi-cat contributor, but heâ€ll have to sit in an IL spot until at least January.

My team

1. (1) Victor Wembanyama (SAS – C)

2. (24) Jalen Williams (OKC – SF,PF)

3. (25) Paolo Banchero (ORL – PF,C)

4. (48) Joel Embiid (PHI – C)

5. (49) Zion Williamson (NOP – SF,PF)

6. (72) Cam Thomas (BKN – SG,SF)

7. (73) Shaedon Sharpe (POR – SG,SF)

8. (96) CJ McCollum (WAS – PG,SG)

9. (97) Jalen Suggs (ORL – PG)

10. (120) Kyshawn George (WAS – SG,SF)

11. (121) Ace Bailey (UTA – SF)

12. (144) Ryan Kalkbrenner (CHA – C)

13. (145) Jonathan Kuminga (GSW – SF,PF)

Strengths: Defense, rebounding, FG%

Weaknesses: Three-pointers, assists, availability

I rolled the dice many times in this draft, but this team is on-brand. I love drafting for upside rather than security, and typically, Iâ€m inclined to draft younger players over veterans. There are breakout options all across my final roster, and if guys like Embiid, Williamson, Thomas and Sharpe can stay mostly healthy, this team could win many, many weeks.

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15 Under-The-Radar MLB Draft Prospects Who Caught Scouts’ Attention At Perfect Gameâ€s WWBA World Championship

Lajina HossainOctober 15, 2025

The WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Fla. once again lived up to its reputation as the ultimate proving ground for prep talent. While the weekend featured plenty of familiar, headline draft names, it also served as a launching pad for a group of under-the-radar players who either showed off exciting tools or delivered true breakout performances.

This list focuses on that second groupâ€”the prospects who may not yet be household names in the draft community but left lasting impressions with evaluators.

All but one player on our list is already committed to a college program, and most project as legitimate candidates to reach campus. Together, they represent the next wave of impact talentâ€”players whose performances in Jupiter hinted at much bigger things ahead, be it in college or as a young pro starting next summer.

Cody Boshell, 1B/OF, Florida

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: Tennessee

A physically imposing 6-foot-3, 220-pound lefthanded hitter, Boshell looked every bit the part of a power bat thanks to real strength through his frame and a barrel chest that suggested durability. Though primarily a first baseman, he moved well enough to project as a viable corner outfielder if needed.

At the plate, Boshell worked from a simple load with above-average hand speed and plenty of bat strength. His swing could get a touch long at times, but the bat path stayed direct enough to allow his natural power to play. The ball jumped off his barrel with carry to all fields, and he showed the ability to drive it out of the park, as evidenced by a home run he launched during a 4-for-12 showing in Jupiter.

Boshellâ€s hands worked fast through the zone, and his overall approach was aggressive. Continued emphasis on staying compact will be key as he faces better velocity, but the ingredients for middle-of-the-order power were already clear. He also pitched, though his future almost certainly lies with the bat, where his combination of physicality, athleticism and strength gives him impact potential.

Jorhan Castro, C, Puerto Rico

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: Western Kentucky

Though undersized at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, Castro impressed as arguably the most polished defensive catcher at the showcase. Multiple evaluators singled him out as the premier receiver in Jupiter, citing his advanced feel, quiet movements and leadership behind the plate against opposing lineups loaded with high-end players.

Castro showed a natural ability to present and steal strikes, particularly at the bottom of the zone, where his fluid hands and soft glove action consistently worked in his pitchersâ€ favor. He blocked with ease, anticipated well and displayed a calm command of the game that stood out for his age. His throwing mechanics were compact and efficient, producing accurate throws with carry and pop times in the low 1.9s. The arm strength and quick release both played, and his overall defensive polish was ahead of his peers.

While the bat remains a work in progress and may be light long term, Castroâ€s defensive profile gives him a significant carrying tool. With plus upside behind the dish and an advanced understanding of the position, he projected as a high-floor catching prospect capable of anchoring a staff at the next level. He should make it to campus at Western Kentucky this fall.

Wyatt Clatur, RHP, Tennessee

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: Virginia

Clatur delivered one of the weekendâ€s most dominant outings, striking out nine over four shutout innings while generating 18 total whiffsâ€”12 on his fastball and six on his slider. The performance underscored both his stuff and competitive demeanor, as he worked quickly, attacked hitters and never appeared fazed by the stage.

An athletic righthander with evident arm speed, Clatur operated from a slightly-crossfire delivery that added deception and angle to his arsenal. His fastball sat 91-93 mph, touched 94 and showed lively finish through the top of the zone. The pitch consistently missed bats, playing up thanks to his tempo and ability to locate it with intent.

His slider, thrown in the low 80s, featured sweep and late movement across the plate. He showed confidence landing it for strikes and used it effectively to finish at-bats against both lefties and righties.

Claturâ€s combination of athleticism, pitchability and competitive edge stood out as much as his raw stuff. With a lively fastball-slider mix, clean arm action and mound presence beyond his years, Clatur looked like a rising name to follow closely moving forward.

Colin Driffill, RHP, Nebraska

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: Kansas State

A lean, athletic 6-foot-1, 200-pound righthander, Driffill emerged as one of the more intriguing breakout arms at WWBA. Flashing loud arm strength and an operation built on athleticism, he struck out two across two innings without allowing an earned run.

Driffill sat 92-94 mph and reached 97 twice in his first inning, generating five whiffs on 26 fastballs that showed late life and explosive carry at the top of the zone. His primary secondary was a curveball in the low-to-mid 70s with solid depth. Its shape varied at times, however, hinting at a still-developing feel for spin.

Working from a delivery with some drop-and-drive elements, Driffill showed evident power and arm speed through a deep arm path. His movement patterns were athletic, his lower half strong and his overall projection enticing. With refinement, he had the raw ingredients to make significant strides as he matures.

Driffill entered the event largely under the radar, but that changed quickly. Multiple evaluators told Baseball America he wasnâ€t someone they had heavily followedâ€”or, in some cases, had on their lists at allâ€”before Jupiter. By the time he left, he was firmly among the names who made a strong impression.

Soren Etheridge, RHP, Arizona

Draft Class: 2027
College Commitment: Uncommitted

The lone uncommitted prospect on this list, Etheridgeâ€s performance in Jupiter was simply too loud to overlook. The young righthander struck out eight across 3.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while generating an eye-popping 16 total whiffs, 13 of which came on his fastball.

Etheridgeâ€s heater sat 90-92 mph and touched 94 with late carry, overpowering hitters at the letters. Though his velocity dipped slightly as the outing went on, the pitchâ€s shape and effectiveness held steady throughout. His best secondary was a low-80s changeup with late tumble and fading actionâ€”a pitch one evaluator projected could develop into a future plus offering.

Etheridge also mixed a curveball and sliderâ€”both in the mid-to-high 70sâ€”that occasionally bled together. He appeared to call for two distinct breaking balls in warmups but threw more of a hybrid shape during game action. A handful of firmer sliders stood out, hinting at the potential to better differentiate a fourth pitch as he matures.

An athletic, projectable arm with a lean frame and multi-sport backgroundâ€”heâ€s also a competitive swimmerâ€”Etheridge showed raw but exciting ingredients. His delivery contained plenty of low-hanging fruit to refine, but with physical growth and mechanical polish, he looked like a highly moldable, high-upside talent whose recruitment should accelerate in short order.

Julian Garcia, RHP, California

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: Long Beach State

A physical 6-foot-3, 210-pound righthander, Garcia possessed one of the cleaner arm strokes at the event. He worked from a high three-quarters slot with above-average arm speed and a fastball that sat in the low 90s, touched 93 mph and showed carry through the zone. The pitch got on hitters quickly and played best at the letters. There was some effort when he reached back for more, but it never disrupted his tempo. Further velocity gains appeared well within reach as he continues to mature physically.

Garciaâ€s best offspeed offering was a sharp, high-spin breaking ball in the low-to-mid 70s that eclipsed 2,800 rpm. It came out of his hand clean with pronounced depth and late, biting action when he stayed on top of it. The pitch already induced swings and misses and figures to become a legitimate out pitch with added power. He also mixed a developing changeup that he threw just once in Jupiter.

Over two hitless, scoreless innings with four strikeouts, Garcia displayed two pitches with above-average upside, consistent strike-throwing feel and the type of size and arm speed that suggested more to come.

Will Holden, C, North Carolina

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: Wake Forest

A physical 6-foot-3, 205-pound catcher from North Carolina, Holden showed the kind of strength, athleticism and versatility that make him a valuable piece at multiple positions. He moved well for his size and showed the ability to handle both catching and corner infield duties.

Behind the plate, Holden worked from a one-knee setup with decent lower-half quickness and a compact arm action. His throws carried with accuracy, and he showed above-average arm strength. He occasionally struggled with glove-to-hand transfers, but that’s an area that should smooth out with continued reps.

At the plate, Holden hit from a wide stance and generated leverage and loft through the zone. His swing could get steep at times, but the barrel was heavy and produced above-average raw power. Two of his three hits in Jupiter left the yard, and his loose hands and developing approach hinted at more consistency ahead.

Committed to Wake Forest, Holden profiled as a strong, righthanded power bat with defensive versatility and plenty of physical maturity still to come.

Bryant James, SS, Virginia

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: Virginia

A lean, wiry 6-foot-1, 175-pound shortstop, James stood out as one of the best athletes in the tournament. His frame offered ample room to add strength, and with natural twitch already present, there was clear upside remaining as he continues to fill out physically.

A double-plus runner with verified 60-yard times in the 6.2-6.3 range, James used his speed as both a weapon and tone-setter. He consistently pressured defenses by getting out of the box quickly to turn routine contact into close plays and extra-base opportunities. His speed was on full display when he coasted in for a triple on a ball to the gap.

At the plate, James hit from a shoulder-high handset with a fairly narrow, upright stance. In lieu of a leg kick, he instead used a controlled stride to get into his swing. His hands worked fast, and his barrel stayed through the hitting zone for a long stretch, giving him a strong contact foundation. Right now, he profiles as a table-setter with gap-to-gap line drive ability, though added strength could unlock more lift and carry in his profile over time.

Defensively, James showed the actions and arm strength to stick at shortstop. His quick first step, lateral range and overall athleticism helped him make plays to both sides. Should he eventually need to move off the position, his elite speed and twitch would translate naturally to the grass.

Taden Krogsgaard, RHP, California

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: Cal State Fullerton

A lean and athletic 6-foot-3, 180-pound righthander, Krogsgaard impressed in Jupiter with his projection, polish and feel for spin. Though he also plays third base, his future clearly lies on the mound, where his athleticism and arm speed stand out.

Krogsgaard worked with a low three-quarters release and a bit of crossfire in his delivery, creating natural deception and angle on his pitches. His fastball sat 90-92 mph and touched 93, showing late life through the zone. The heater played up thanks to his ability to locate to both sides, and evaluators noted thereâ€s still velocity left in the tank as his frame continues to fill out.

His best secondary offering was a high-70s sweeper with late horizontal break that he consistently landed for strikes. Several evaluators already viewed the pitch as a fringe-plus weapon that should only improve as he adds strength and velocity.

Across two Jupiter outings, Krogsgaard allowed just one run over six innings, showing advanced pitchability and confidence. With a fastball-slider foundation, physical projection and an athletic delivery, he profiles as a high-upside arm.

Trent Lutz, RHP, Pennsylvania

Draft Class: 2027
College Commitment: Penn State

A long-limbed 6-foot-4, 170-pound righthander, Lutz combined present stuff with significant physical projection. His high-waisted, lean frame left plenty of room for added strength, and the delivery already hinted at future power once he grows into it. He worked with a deep, high three-quarters arm stroke and occasionally landed open in his stride, leading to some inconsistency in his release point.

Lutzâ€s fastball sat 90-93 mph and touched 94, showing solid life through the zone. His best velocity and shape came early in the outing, but the pitch still held enough life to miss bats late. He paired it with both a curveball and slider that sometimes bled together. When he stayed on top, the curveball showed depth, but he occasionally got around it and lost finish. He also mixed in a few changeups that flashed promise with late fade.

Still early in his development, Lutzâ€s projection stood out most. His wiry frame, loose arm action and flashes of a true three-pitch mix made him a highly intriguing long-term follow in the 2027 class.

Jace Mataczynski, SS, Wisconsin

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: Auburn

One of the most toolsy players in Jupiter, Mataczynski drew a sizable scouting crowd each time he took the field and quickly became one of the weekendâ€s buzziest names. Several evaluators told Baseball America they were zeroing in on the Auburn commit after his standout showing, and his stock appeared to be rising fast.

At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Mataczynski combines promising size, twitch and fluidity. He moved easily at shortstop, showing light feet and impressive body control with an above-average arm that carried across the diamond. His wide, effortless gait translated into plus running ability, allowing him to cover ground both in the field and on the bases.

Offensively, Mataczynski remains raw but dangerous. His two-handed swing occasionally lagged behind better velocity, though his physical strength and bat speed still showed through as he collected six hits, including a home run and two doubles. With added mechanical polish and physical maturity, his offensive game could take a major leap.

Mataczynskiâ€s blend of athleticism, tools and projection has him positioned as a potential early-round follow if his upward trajectory continues.

Lukas McDowell, RHP, Canada

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: North Florida

A towering 6-foot-8, 245-pound righthander and native of Canada, McDowell looked every bit the part of a workhorse starter thanks to his broad shoulders and powerful lower half. His size alone turned heads, but it was the combination of athleticism and stuff that made his outing one of the more memorable performances among the unheralded prospects in Jupiter. Over three scoreless innings, he struck out three without issuing a walk while showing poise and command.

McDowell attacked from a long, whippy low three-quarters slot that created difficult angles and deception. His fastball sat 91-93 mph and touched 95 with carry through the zone and late life that helped it miss five bats. He paired it with a low-80s sweeping slider and a high-70s curveball that featured two-plane depthâ€”both capable of missing barrels when executed. A developing changeup rounded out his four-pitch mix.

At 18, few pitchers combine this kind of physicality, arm speed and athletic operation. McDowellâ€s blend of size and raw stuff gives him a rare ceiling, and continued refinement could make him one of the more fascinating Canadian arms in the 2026 class.

Ethan Offing, OF, South Carolina

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: Clemson

An ultra-athletic 6-foot-1, 190-pound center fielder, Offing turned in one of the more complete performances in Jupiter and drew legitimate scouting attention. His combination of speed, defense and emerging impact at the plate made him one of the eventâ€s more intriguing all-around position players.

Offing covered ground easily in center field, showing smooth actions, confident reads and the type of closing speed that allowed him to make more difficult plays look routine. His running ability also translated offensively, where his quickness out of the box and aggressive baserunning kept pressure on defenses.

At the plate, Offingâ€s short, fast swing and advanced bat control stood out. He went 7-for-13 with a double, triple and home run, consistently finding the barrel and flashing surprising strength for his lean frame. The bat speed was real, and his swing path suggested room to grow into more power without sacrificing contact.

With plus speed, reliable defense in center and the potential to both set the table and impact the baseball with authority, Offing looked like a high-upside athlete who would fit perfectly in Clemsonâ€s up-tempo, offensive-minded program if he reaches campus.

Chandler Taylor, OF, Ohio

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: Alabama

The younger brother of former Indiana All-American Devin Taylor, Taylor impressed as a lean, athletic 6-foot-3, 185-pound outfielder with real center field potential. He moved with above-average speed, read the ball off the bat well and showed the instincts and reaction time to hold down the middle of the diamond.

At the plate, he shared traits similar to his brother, as his swing stayed on plane and his hands were quick. That ability already allows him to drive the ball all over the field, but as he adds strength, heâ€ll need to learn to lift the ball more consistently to unlock additional power.

Taylorâ€s biggest area for growth is in plate discipline. He needs to sharpen his approach against spin and remain engaged in two-strike counts, rather than expanding too early.

Though still relatively young, Taylor is already committed to Alabama and appears likely to land on campus. His tools, pedigree, and athletic profile make him an interesting name to follow going forward.

Ty Van Valkenburg, RHP, New York

Draft Class: 2026
College Commitment: Miami

Built with a strong, durable 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame, Van Valkenburg looked every bit the part of a physical righthander with starter traits. His delivery was compact and repeatable while his arm worked with looseness and whip from a three-quarters release. He occasionally dropped the slot a bit when throwing his slider but maintained a consistent tempo and direction throughout.

Van Valkenburgâ€s fastball sat in the low 90s and reached 94 mph while showing both run and ride that allowed it to miss bats. He commanded the pitch well, especially to his arm side, and collected four whiffs on it in this outing. Over two innings, he punched out four, didnâ€t issue a walk and allowed two hitsâ€”one an infield singleâ€”without surrendering an earned run.

His primary secondary was an upper-70s slider that flashed above-average potential. The pitch varied in shape, showing tighter, two-plane bite against lefthanded hitters and a sweepier look with more lateral movement to righties. It already profiled as his best swing-and-miss weapon and was responsible for two of his six total whiffs on the day. He also flashed a changeup in warmups but didnâ€t use it in-game.

With physical strength, repeatability and a fastball-slider combination that both played, Van Valkenburg fit the mold of a strike-throwing starter to watch closely this spring.

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Top 2027 Catcher Will Brick Reclassifying For 2026 MLB Draft

Lajina HossainOctober 15, 2025

Image credit:
Will Brick (Photo by Tom DiPace)

The top catcher in the 2027 high school class will be eligible for the 2026 MLB Draft.

Will Brick, Baseball Americaâ€s No. 1 catcher for 2027, is reclassifying to the 2026 class, adding another big name to an already strong 2026 high school group.

Brick, a 17-year-old at Christian Brothers University High in Memphis, Tenn., is 6-foot-2, 195 pounds and was the No. 15 player overall in the 2027 class. He was one of two underclassmen to make USA Baseballâ€s 18U National Team that won a gold medal in September at the U-18 World Cup in Japan, where Brick made the all-tournament team at catcher and hit .333/.474/.667.

Will Brick Scouting Report

One of the best defensive catchers in the country, Brick is an advanced receiver who moves around well behind the plate with good lateral agility and flexibility to block well. His strong arm and quick release help him control the running game with pop times under 1.9 seconds on his best throws. He also earns high praise for the intangibles and leadership skills that managers and coaches love having in a catcher.Â

At the plate, Brick is a righthanded hitter who typically makes good swing decisions and has a low swing-and-miss rate. He has good bat speed and strength projection to add to what was already some of the better raw power in the 2027 class. In games, Brickâ€s approach gets more contact-oriented. As such, Brick’s power didnâ€t always show in games, but thereâ€s another level of game power that could come as his swing and approach continue to evolve.Â

While Brick has been an underclassman, scouts were able to get looks at him competing against 2026 players this summer in Cary, N.C. at USA Baseballâ€s 18U national team trials and then their 18U national team training camp before he went to Japan for the U-18 World Cup.Â

Brick turns 18 a month before the draft, so he will be one of the younger players in the 2026 class. Heâ€s uncommitted for college and immediately becomes one of the premium players to target in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

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Browsing: draft

Editor’s Picks

Who is your favorite pick in each round?

Who is your least favorite pick in each round?

What is your favorite punt build, and why?

What is your least favorite punt build, and why?

How do you identify value in drafts?

How do you leverage rankings to your advantage while drafting?

How soon do you reach for your guys? Describe your approach to reaching in general.

Name 3 players youâ€re much higher on than consensus.

Name 3 players youâ€re much lower on than consensus.

Which 3 players have the biggest range of outcomes this season?

Name 3 late-round fliers you love taking.

Describe Your Favorite Draft Strategy.

1. Revisit format nuances

2. Get “Your Guys”

3. Pay attention to the risers and fallers

4. Know your league, not just the NBA

5. Use schedule awareness & playoff matters

1. Enter the draft with a list of â€œyour guys,â€ but donâ€t be afraid to pivot

2. Reach for your guys

3. Read and React

4. Youâ€ll want to draft a high-level big man early

5. Do Your Homework

6. Draft players that you want to watch

7. Remain flexible when it comes to your draft strategy

8. â€œTo Thine Own Self Be Trueâ€

9. Check your leagueâ€s scoring settings

10. Know the league roster rules

11. Mock Draft

12. Play with people you know

13. This one is serious. Know your limits, whether itâ€s financially or what â€œforfeitâ€ youâ€re willing to do if you finish dead last

14. Branch Out, Have Fun!

Here are the analysts who participated and the Draft Order:

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

Round 8

Round 9

Round 10

Round 11

Round 12

Round 13

My team

Will Brick Scouting Report