The 2025 ACC/SEC Challenge features some of the nation’s top teams and top NBA talent. Here is a quick look at some potential NBA draft picks in the ACC/SEC Challenge, as well as whose stock is up and down from the start of the year.
2025 ACC/SEC Challenge: Who Are The Top NBA Prospects To Watch In The 32 Team Event?
Stock Up
Isaiah Evans, Duke Blue Devils
Isaiah Evans, a top 20 consensus recruit in 2024, has taken a step forward from his freshman year. Evans, a three-level scorer, has improved his production across the board and can defend on the wing. While Evans has expanded his offensive repertoire, he is still very much a 3-point bomber. He has made at least three triples in five of eight appearances and averages 12.8 points and 2.3 treys while shooting 40.8% from the field and 35.2% from deep.
Evans entered the season as a borderline first-round 2026 draft prospect and has likely moved into the top-20.
Patrick Ngongba – Duke Blue Devils
Like Evans, Patrick Ngongba entered Durham as a highly touted prospect, but he saw sparse time a season ago. However, the 6-11 center has developed into a genuine NBA prospect this season due to his efficiency around the rim and his demonstrated rim protection. He has shown the ability to pass from the high-post. But he needs to improve his rebounding and extend his shooting range.
Ngongba projects to be a late first-round or early second-round selection in 2026.
Thomas Haugh, Florida Gators
A year after coming into his own, Thomas Haugh has stepped up his game. He is Florida’s top NBA prospect, likely to be selected mid- or late-first round in 2026 due to his athleticism, high energy, and defensive versatility. A strong finisher around the rim, Haugh thrives in transition as a rim-runner and cutter in the half-court. He is a strong rebounder and has improved as a floor spacer and passer this year.
Neoklis Avdalas, Virginia Tech Hokies
Darrion Williams, North Carolina State
Juke Harris, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Malik Reneau, Miami Hurricanes
Donnie Freeman, Syracuse Orange
Mark Mitchell, Missouri Tigers
Stock Remains Steady
Cameron Boozer, Duke Blue Devils
Cameron Boozer is arguably the top 2026 NBA prospect in the event and definitely a potential No. 1 selection. The 6-9 forward has been incredibly efficient and has demonstrated to be a three-level scorer and two-way player. He has produced four double-doubles, including against Texas and Kansas. He has four 20-point games and is coming off a career-high 35 against Arkansas.
Cayden Boozer, Duke Blue Devils
Cayden Boozer is not the prospect his twin brother is, but the 6-4 combo has shown flashes of potential. He is a solid facilitator and does a good job running the offense, though his defense is ahead of his offense. Seeing 20 minutes off the bench, Boozer does need to show consistency as a scorer and playmaker against high-level competition. He has scored in double figures three times, though none against top-level competition; he saw only eight minutes of action against Arkansas, and his season-high eight assists came against Army.
Boozer could also remain in college next season. He is not a top-12 NBA prospect, as he was projected to be at the start of the season, though that could change. Instead, he is likely to be in the No. 13-25 range at this current time.
Alex Condon – Florida Gators
Alex Condon is a mid-first round pick to an early second round selection in the upcoming draft. Condon has upped his production and efficiency this year. He is a mobile, skilled frontcourt player with strong rebounding instincts and polished footwork. But the 6-11 Australian does need to improve his perimeter shooting, along with turnover and fouling issues.
Caleb Wilson – UNC Tar Heels
Like Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson has been as advertised and is poised to be a top-5 selection in June. Wilson, who averages a 20-point and 10-rebound double-double, has posted a double-double in four of his last five games while scoring 18+ points in six of his seven appearances overall.
Nate Ament, Tennessee Volunteers
Nate Ament is a top-10 talent who has struggled with efficiency on occasion in the early going. Ament is a strong rebounder and defender who can stretch the floor and pass the ball. However, he is not a shot-blocker.
Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky Wildcats
Otega Oweh, Kentucky Wildcats
Kam Williams, Kentucky Wildcats
Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville Cardinals
Meleek Thomas, Arkansas Razorbacks
Darius Acruff, Arkansas Razorbacks
Paul McNeil Jr., North Carolina State
Matt Abel, North Carolina State
Stock Down
Dame Sarr, Duke Blue Devils
Dame Sarr has tremendous potential due to his length, athleticism, and defensive ability. He is also a decent rebounder. But the 6-8 French guard needs to add muscle, be more consistent shooting the ball, and show improvement as a playmaker.
Sarr entered the season as a potential top-10 draft pick. Right now, it is not a sure thing he will declare for the 2026 draft, but his stock has dropped slightly to late-lottery to the top 20.
Nik Khamenia Duke Blue Devils
Another freshman whose 2026 NBA draft status is in question, Nik Khamenia, has first-round potential down the line, though he will need to increase his production as the season progresses. Khamenia has excellent size for a guard who is a three-level scorer with a consistent perimeter shooting stroke. He has a high basketball IQ and can guard multiple positions.
Khamenia can do a little bit of everything, but he’s at his best shooting the ball. He has scored in double-figures just once in his eight appearances, averaging 7.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 threes while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from the 3-point line.
Boogie Fland, Arkansas Razorbacks
Jasper Johnson, Kentucky Wildcats
© Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images
