If you’re looking for value in a potential second-round draft pick for the 2026 NBA Draft, look no further than UCLA’s Tyler Bilodeau. The six-foot-eight power forward was always a presence during his collegiate career. Even though his final season ended with an injury, Bilodeau still provides great value at his size, and along with his abilities. Bilodeau might have his work cut out for him, as the 62nd-best prospect according to ESPN. However, he’s a player who can contribute if he is ultimately picked up in the 2026 NBA Draft. Let’s take a closer look at Bilodeau’s draft profile.
Tyler Bilodeau 2026 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Like many prospects who played four years at least of college basketball. Tyler Bilodeau spent his time between two schools. He began his collegiate career in 2022-23 season at Oregon State. He saw time in 32 games during his freshman season, along with 13 starts. During that season, Bilodeau averaged seven points and nearly four rebounds per game. That only prepared him for a big jump during his sophomore season.
Bilodeau quickly became the face for the Beavers alongside Jordan Pope, as Bilodeau bumped his scoring average up to 14.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. It was during that season that Bilodeau showed his potential to be both a double-digit scorer and rebounder on any given night, as he had three double-doubles. He also had six games where he scored over 20 points per game. Despite his potential and impact, after the 2023-24 season, Bilodeau was looking for a new home to further showcase his skills.
That led him to Mick Cronin and the UCLA Bruins. The move also saw him become part of the Big Ten. In his first season as a Bruin, Bilodeau moved to the top of the team in scoring, as he became the leader of the Bruins as they turned around the team from a losing record the previous season. His 13.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game were enough to earn All-Big Ten honors during the 2024-25 season. Despite hearing draft buzz, Bilodeau returned for his senior campaign in 2025-26.
It was well worth it, as Bilodeau continued to add to his impressive collegiate career. In doing so, he showcased his best skills, as he finished with an average of 17.6 points per game. The Bruins had their struggles as a team and with Mick Cronin, their head coach, but Bilodeau’s heart helped them become a dangerous team in March. A leg injury suffered during the Big Ten Tournament kept him from playing beyond the Big Ten Quarterfinals, ending his season prematurely. That didn’t deter him from being one of the best three-point shooting big men in the Big Ten.
Strengths
Offense
Bilodeau is a legit scorer; he proved it at both of his stops in college. He can do so at three-levels, which makes him a very important piece for a team. He proved to be an elite shooter, not only in college but also at the NBA Draft Combine, showcasing an elite skill as a shooter. For his size, at six-foot-eight, he was one of the best bigs from three. Shooting 40 percent for his college career was huge as well.
Bilodeau has proven to be very versatile in scoring, as he can also go in the post and take it strong to the rim. His IQ stands out as well, as he can help space the floor to set up open shooters. He’s got plenty of experience, having started 108 of his 128 collegiate games. Not to mention, he played at least 20 minutes a game throughout his career.
Defense
Bilodeau wasn’t an elite defender, but he had enough skill and toughness to make things difficult for others. A steady veteran showcased the will to mix it up with bigger post players. Not to mention his fire and toughness. He obviously will need to add some muscle at the next level, but his length makes him a good rebounder. 486 of his 631 career rebounds were at the defensive end of the floor.
Weaknesses
Offense
Bilodeau isn’t going to be a triple-double threat, and he’s not as skilled a passer as some of the other forwards in this draft. He has a chance to improve on it, but he is limited in his ability to create off the dribble. Not to mention, he isn’t going to be a go-to facilitator. That’s why he presents better as a scoring and rebounding four. It will be interesting to see if he can land with the right team, which can give him the time to grow into his role.
Defense
His late-season leg injury is only going to make his athleticism questionable, if isn’t was already. He doesn’t have elite verticality, or lateral quickness for that matter. That is going to limit him defensively for sure, especially if tasked with defending bigs like Nikola Jokic.
NBA Comparison
Being a stretch forward, Bilodeau can compare to plenty of power forwards in the NBA. His three-point shooting ability makes him a very capable prospect. Not to mention, his floor spacing is going to fit in nicely with many teams. His shooting and scoring versatility compares to a player like Aaron Gordon.
Bilodeau himself even made his own comparison at the Combine. That comparison is going to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Dean Wade. That seems like a very good call by Bilodeau. Wade provides three-point scoring and spacing, and gets after it at both ends of the floor.
2026 NBA Draft Projection
Potential second-round pick
Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
