The 2026 NBA Draft is already buzzing with excitement, and college basketball exhibitions are giving us a sneak peek at the future stars of the league. With the NBA season just around the corner and college hoops kicking off shortly after, the stage is set for a thrilling year of basketball. But here's where it gets exciting: these early matchups are more than just warm-up games—they're a chance for top prospects to shine and make their case for draft dominance.
Teams are transitioning from secretive scrimmages to full-fledged exhibition games, and the talent on display is nothing short of impressive. Take the showdown between Oklahoma State and Auburn, for instance. Potential first-round pick Tahaad Pettiford showcased his skills, while the Cowboys' roster proved they're a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, Florida State and Alabama faced off in a contest that highlighted Labaron Philon, another first-round hopeful, who delivered a standout performance for the Crimson Tide.
And this is the part most people miss: the freshman phenoms. On Saturday, Nebraska took on BYU, and all eyes were on AJ Dybantsa, a freshman with top-pick potential, who dominated for the Cougars. Earlier in the week, Cincinnati and Michigan battled in a nail-biter. The Bearcats took a commanding lead in the first half, but the Wolverines stormed back, nearly stealing the win. Cincinnati's 100-98 victory was fueled by a balanced attack, including true freshman Shon Abaev, a former five-star recruit who dropped 15 points and grabbed 2 rebounds.
But here's where it gets controversial: Abaev, standing at 6-foot-8 with a smooth shooting stroke, is already turning heads. Could he leap into the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft with a strong college debut? It's a bold prediction, but his size, skill set, and early performance suggest he's on the right track. Hailing from Calvary Christian Academy (FL) and ranked as the No. 22 overall player in the 2025 class, Abaev is one to watch.
On the other side of the court, Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg stole the show despite the Wolverines' loss. The veteran big man, who transferred from UAB, dropped 31 points and 12 rebounds against Cincinnati. Lendeborg isn't a freshman, but he's new to Ann Arbor and already making waves. With a 6-foot-8 frame, a 7-foot-4 wingspan, and a proven track record—including two American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year awards—he's a serious contender for the 2026 draft. But the question remains: Can he translate his college success to the NBA stage?
These exhibitions are just the beginning, but they're packed with talent and potential storylines. As we gear up for the 2025-26 season, one thing is clear: the 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a battle of the giants. Who will rise to the top? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Abaev a lock for the first round, or is Lendeborg the real deal? Let us know in the comments!
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