NBA Mock Draft 8.0: First-Round Projections Before NCAA Sweet 16

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 26, 2026 10:59 PM ET

NBA Mock Draft 8.0: First-Round Projections Before NCAA Sweet 16

The Sweet 16 has preserved a deep crop of NBA draft talent. Many prospects are using March momentum to boost draft stock or NIL value. Some players could also return to school or enter the transfer portal.

How this projection was assembled

Filmogaz.com built this board with ESPN projected records. Trades, pick swaps and protections were also applied. The board serves as a snapshot in NBA Mock Draft 8.0 and focuses on first-round candidates ahead of the Sweet 16.

Top lottery candidates

Cameron Boozer (Duke) headlines the class. The 6-foot-9 freshman from Florida earned ACC Player of the Year recognition. Insiders view him as a potential No. 1 pick with a fit next to current NBA frontcourt stars.

AJ Dybantsa (BYU) flashed in March Madness. He scored 35 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in his lone tournament game. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points, per CBB Analytics.

Darryn Peterson (Kansas) remains a high-upside guard. Scouts still label him as the most talented player in the class. He pairs high usage with efficient scoring when healthy.

Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) projects as a top big man despite injury. He missed the NCAA Tournament with a broken thumb. Before the injury, he led the nation in dunks, according to Bart Torvik.

Playmaking guards who rose in March

Kingston Flemings (Houston) has a knack for generating steals. He recorded eight steals in one game this season and scored 42 against No. 11 Texas Tech. The All-Big 12 guard has helped his team reach the Sweet 16.

Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas) created points at elite rates. The SEC Player of the Year led the nation in points created, per CBB Analytics. He ranked among freshmen leaders in transition field goals and alley-oop assists.

Keaton Wagler (Illinois) is a premier 3-point shooter. He shot 40.8 percent from deep as a freshman and once made nine triples in a single game. The guard also contributes rebounds and assists.

Brayden Burries (Arizona) produced several standout performances. He posted 31 points, seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado. He also had a 20-point, 12-rebound, five-assist outing versus Kansas.

High-upside wings and veterans

Cameron Carr (Baylor) improved his stock this season. The All-Big 12 wing combined athleticism with shooting. Bart Torvik noted his rare mix of dunks and made 3-pointers.

Dailyn Swain (Texas) arrived via transfer from Xavier. The All-SEC forward is versatile and efficient in isolation. He helped Texas reach the Sweet 16.

Amari Allen (Alabama) provided consistent two-way value. In SEC play he averaged 12.9 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 39.5 percent from three.

Big men and interior specialists

Aday Mara (Michigan) stood out as a rim protector. The 7-foot-3 center kept opponents from attacking the rim. Per CBB Analytics, opponents attempt a small share of rim shots with him on the floor.

Hannes Steinbach (Washington) is an instinctive rebounder. He posted 24 rebounds in one game against USC. Scouts also praised his pick-and-roll finishing and FIBA U19 play.

Koa Peat (Arizona) brings playmaking from the forward spot. Arizona saw more possessions when he was on the floor, per CBB Analytics. He needs a consistent jumper to reach full lottery projection.

Patrick Ngongba II (Duke) ranks high in assist rate for a 6-foot-11 prospect. He often finds cutters and driving perimeter players. Ngongba has shown steady year-over-year improvement.

International and draft-and-stash candidates

Karim López (playing in Australia) is the Mexican-born forward drawing attention overseas. He exploded for 32 points on 11-of-13 shooting in a game this season. A draft-and-stash path remains a viable option.

Injuries, transfers and players to watch

Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky) is still recovering from multiple knee injuries. When healthy, he projects as an elite defender.
Nate Ament (Tennessee) averaged 21.6 points across a 13-game stretch. He suffered an injury late in the season.
Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State) is an all-around forward who went down with an injury in the first round.
Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville) averaged 29.2 points over five games before missing March Madness with an injury.

Potential returners or late entries

Several notable players could boost next year’s class if they declare or return. Names include Tounde Yessoufou, Alijah Arenas, Meleek Thomas, Ebuka Okorie and Flory Bidunga. Each could be first-round considerations if they stay in the draft.

Bottom line

This projection mixes proven production and March momentum. It factors injuries, transfers and team fits. Expect movement as the NCAA Tournament progresses and prospects finalize decisions.