The NCAA Tournament is right around the corner, and many talented players in the 2026 NBA Draft will be participating. While there are many talented guard prospects going to the big dance, there are equally as many talented forwards as well. Let’s dive into the best forward prospects currently in the 2026 NBA Draft who will be participating in the NCAA Tournament and discuss what makes them great.
2026 NBA Draft: Best Forward Prospect In The NCAA Tournament
Cameron Boozer
The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Duke forward Cameron Boozer may possibly be the best prospect in the draft. Standing at six-foot-nine, Boozer possesses a well-rounded and polished skill set that allows him to make a major impact on all facets of the game. Unquestionably, Boozer is a highly efficient scorer at the rim, using his footwork and strength to break down his opponent. However, he isn’t just a bruising post-up player, as he is fully capable of creating from the perimeter and in the pick-and-roll as either the ball-handler or screener. Not only that, but Boozer is someone who teams must guard from beyond the arc, as he is a strong shooter as well. He is a lethal scorer to be sure, but playmaking is also in his wheelhouse as he possesses great vision and passing ability.
Defensively, Boozer is an intelligent defender who utilizes his strength, size, and basketball IQ to be an impactful defender. Boozer is a smart paint defender who consistently gives energy out on the court. He’s always looking to make plays and grab rebounds to end possessions. Boozer already demonstrated his excellence throughout the college season, making a strong case for being the #1 overall pick. While some have him there already, making a strong run throughout the tournament would make that argument even stronger.
AJ Dybantsa
Another forward who has an argument of being the best overall prospect in this year’s draft is BYU forward AJ Dybantsa. Standing at six-foot-nine, Dybantsa possesses an excellent blend of athleticism, size, and physical tools that make him a lethal scorer. In particular, he is an excellent driver who puts immense rim pressure on opposing defenses using his athleticism, strength, and footwork. He has great touch around the rim and is fully capable of throwing down monstrous dunks. Dybantsa is also a great shooter from the mid-range, being able to find his spots and knock down shots. While not the most consistent long-range shooter, Dybantsa has shown the ability to be a threat from distance. To augment his scoring, Dybantsa has improved as a playmaker. He consistently uses his scoring gravity to create shots for others.
In terms of his defense, Dybantsa has all the tools to be an impactful defender. Not only that, but he has shown flashes as well. His combination of size, length, and athleticism gives him the versatility to guard multiple positions and be switchable. He also uses his length effectively to force turnovers and grab rebounds. Like the other two prospects in the consensus top three, Dybantsa has a case to strengthen his case for being the top pick if he can give strong performances and a deep run during the big dance.
Yaxel Lendeborg
Yaxel Lendeborg has been one of the best players in college basketball and easily one of the best forwards in the draft. Standing at six-foot-nine with a seven-foot-four wingspan, Lendeborg has an intriguing blend of size, length, and athleticism that lends itself well to two-way play. Lendeborg possesses a well-rounded offensive skill set. He is an efficient scorer in the interior, while Lendeborg has shown the ability to shoot despite being streaky this season. Lendeborg is also a great playmaker for his position, demonstrating strong passing feel and vision.
Defensively, Lendeborg has shown out as a versatile defender for Michigan. With his size and length, Lendeborg can defend across multiple positions while also being a switchable defender. Speaking of length, Lendeborg’s long arms are not for show as he is excellent at being disruptive as a defensive playmaker, racking up steals and blocks. Lendeborg also utilizes his wingspan to be a strong rebounder on both ends. Unquestionably, Lendeborg has shown that he is one of the best forwards going into March Madness.
Koa Peat
Arizona forward Koa Peat is one of the better forwards in the class. Not only that, but he is also one of the most productive freshmen in the class. Standing at six-foot-eight, Peat is a sturdy forward who possesses tremendous power and size. He utilizes his physicality and athleticism to be a force in the paint and on the boards. Peat is a great interior finisher with excellent touch around the rim. Plus, he can also hit shots in the mid-range. Additionally, Peat is a solid passer who can move the ball to the right man.
His physicality and athleticism also translate to the defensive end. Those traits help him be a versatile defensive piece who can defend multiple positions. Peat has been one of the best players on one of the most successful teams this college season. He has already demonstrated his excellence, but March Madness will be a real test of everything he has shown. It will be interesting to see how Peat shapes up to the challenge.
Nate Ament
Tennessee forward Nate Ament has had an up-and-down year, but there is no doubt that he is one of the better forwards participating in the tournament. The six-foot-ten Ament possesses a dribble, pass, shoot skill set that allows him to be versatile offensively. While not the most efficient, Ament does have the upside to be a three-level scorer, with flashes of that potential shown throughout the year. He is also a solid passer who can find open teammates. He also has great positional size that gives him solid defensive versatility. For Ament, March Madness can be a way for him to significantly raise his draft stock if he can put together a deep run. Strong performances would go a long way toward soothing concerns over his underwhelming play.
Thomas Haugh
The current defending NCAA champions retained much of their frontcourt, which includes the six-foot-nine Thomas Haugh. Haugh has had a great junior season with the Florida Gators, posting career highs in points, steals, and blocks. With his size and athleticism, Haugh is a versatile forward who can produce in various roles. He is a strong off-ball player who thrives on cuts and offensive rebounds. Haugh is also a strong transition player who utilizes his athleticism to be a monstrous finisher at the rim. He also knows how to keep the ball moving. Even with the ball, Haugh has shown the ability to attack closeouts.
On defense, Haugh plays with a relentless motor, constantly looking to be impactful. His size and athleticism grant him the ability to guard multiple positions. Plus, his length helps him be a great defensive playmaker and rebounder. Haugh has been great in his junior year and has the chance to show his improvement by being a major part of Florida’s title defense.
Morez Johnson Jr.
As one of the heads of the three-headed monster in the frontcourt for Michigan, Morez Johnson Jr. has been amazing. Standing at six-foot-nine, Johnson is arguably the best defender out of Lendeborg and Aday Mara. That makes him one of the most impactful defenders in college basketball. Despite being undersized for his role, Johnson offers immense defensive versatility. Not only does he have the size, length, and strength to defend bigger forwards and centers, but he also has the quickness to deal with wings and even guards. Johnson is also consistently impactful as a defensive playmaker, using his length to alter shots or force turnovers. He just knows exactly where he needs to be on defense to make an impact.
Offensively, there is work to be done to improve, but there are things to like. Specifically, Johnson is effective as a rim-runner and screener. Plus, he can occasionally put the ball on the floor and drive to the hoop. However, the most intriguing aspect of Johnson offensively is his potential as a shooter. He has demonstrated solid shooting touch, and developing into a shooter would significantly raise his ceiling. Johnson has proven much throughout the season, but a strong tournament run would only improve his draft stock.
Dailyn Swain
After transferring to Texas this season, six-foot-eight wing Dailyn Swain has proven to be one of the better forwards in the draft. He is an athletic forward who makes an impact on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Swain has stood out as an excellent driver and play initiator who can generate major rim pressure. He has amazing touch around the rim and the athleticism to be a significant threat in transition. Swain can also handle the ball and be a solid playmaker for his team. He knows how to utilize his drives to collapse defenses and create open looks for others. While shooting is a swing skill for him, Swain has shown flashes of shooting potential.
On the defensive end, Swain also excels. His combination of size, athleticism, and physical tools allows him to be a strong defender. He is fully capable of defending across multiple positions while also being able to switch along the perimeter. Swain is also strong at generating steals using his long arms to pick off passing lanes and forcing turnovers. A strong performance during March Madness would significantly increase his draft stock.
Amari Allen
While he plays in the shadow of Alabama standout Labaron Philon, Amari Allen has quietly put together a great freshman year for the Crimson Tide. The six-foot-seven Allen has the skills to be a skilled 3-and-D wing, which is a highly valuable commodity in the NBA. He can certainly space the floor as a solid three-point shooter while also providing versatile defense on the wings. Furthermore, Allen has been impactful as a defensive playmaker. However, Allen has demonstrated numerous flashes that he has more skills than his 3-and-D skill set would suggest. He is fully capable of attacking closeouts and handling the ball to a certain extent. Allen is also a solid passer for his position and role. Additionally, Allen is a great rebounder for his size. Allen does have significant development ahead of him, but there is a lot to like with a wing like him.
Joshua Jefferson
Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson has had an extremely impressive senior season, putting him in the upper echelon of forwards in the class. Standing at six-foot-eight, Jefferson possesses great versatility as a forward, being able to do many things well on the court. He is a capable scorer who can efficiently score in the paint and stretch the floor. He can score both with and without the ball. Not only that, but he is a solid playmaker for his position, having the vision and passing feel to find his open teammates. Defensively, Jefferson has the size and enough athleticism to be a switchable defender who can guard multiple positions. Furthermore, he utilizes his length well, consistently generating steals and converting them into transition opportunities. Overall, Jefferson is one of the most versatile players in the draft. It will be interesting to see how that translates in the tournament.
Allen Graves
Despite getting little attention compared to the other high-profile prospects, Santa Clara forward Allen Graves is a name worth remembering. The six-foot-nine freshman is a skilled forward who can provide major impact on both sides of the court. His calling card as a prospect is his defensive abilities, standing out as an incredibly versatile defender on the wings. He has the athleticism, size, and length to guard up and down the lineup while being comfortable in various defensive coverages. While foul-prone, Graves’ best aspect as a defender is his amazing defensive playmaking. Unquestionably, he is consistent at racking up steals and blocks, turning them into extra possessions for his team.
Offensively, Graves isn’t a primary creator by any means, but he can still make an impact. In particular, he is an excellent connective piece within an offense, either as a cutter, floor-spacer, or passer. He is an efficient scorer and shooter who can hit open shots from beyond the arc and make good on his cuts by finishing at the rim. Undoubtedly, Graves has a real chance to show a wider audience what exactly he can bring to the table at the big dance. If he can translate his excellent play to the NCAA Tournament, it would not be a surprise to see his draft stock rise after March Madness.
Featured Image: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
