Top under-the-radar 2026 NBA Draft prospects

Awaka, who led the nation in offensive rebound rate (20.9 percent) last season, per KenPom, would be a perfect end-of-rotation contributor, already showing a willingness to come off the bench by approaching Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd about a move to the second-unit.

Rebounding is nothing new for the four-year senior, who led all players in rebounds at the 2023 FIBA Men's U19 World Cup, averaging 10.6 per game for the U.S.

More recently, the 2025-26 Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year had an early highlight-reel dunk in the Sweet Sixteen of the men's NCAA Tournament off an offensive rebound, then had nine rebounds in 17 minutes during the national title game.

With only 17 career three-point attempts, Awaka will help himself earn a rotation spot by further developing his outside game, but his 41.2 shooting percent from deep and fluid shooting motion suggests the potential's there for that possibility.

Even if he only ever excels on the court at the next level as a rebounder, Awaka would also bring value in the locker room as book club leader. Earlier this year, he discussed his love of reading and current interests such as philosophy, theology and the stock market, so you already know his choices would lead to deep conversations and wise financial decisions.

UCLA Bruins power forward Tyler Bilodeau

Special skill: Shooting | As draft analyst Jonathan Givony noted, Bilodeau was among the best shooters at the 2026 combine, making 70.4 percent of his attempts across all shooting drills.

It's hard to find another player in the class with as pure and smooth a shooting stroke as Bilodeau, who shot 43.8 percent from beyond the arc at UCLA the past two seasons.

He also has phenomenal range, draining this three from the first "S" on the March Madness mid-court logo.

He also has a solid mid-range game, draining the following fadeaway jumper on the road at Ohio State.

Tennessee Volunteers point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie

Special skill: Spark plug | Measuring a hair under six feet (5'11.75") without shoes at the combine, Gillespie's size limitations make him undersized for a starting role, but his tape reveals a player whose game could translate as a spark off the bench.

The three-time all-conference selection most recently played in the SEC at Tennessee, averaging 18.4 points, 5.4 assists and 2.1 steals per game in 2025-26, while also playing for Maryland (Big Ten) and Belmont (Missouri Valley). Gillespie doesn't play like a small guard, unafraid of attacking and drawing contact, as on the following play from the first round of March Madness.

He averaged 21.8 points per game during the tournament while making multiple high-effort plays in an Elite Eight loss to Michigan, ending the game with six steals.

Virginia Cavaliers center Ugonna Onyenso

Special skill: Rim protection | The Nigerian-born 6-foot-11 big began his collegiate career with the Kentucky Wildcats, who he averaged 2.8 blocks per game for in 2023-24.

This past season, he played at Virginia after transferring from the Kansas State Wildcats and led the ACC with 2.9 blocks per game. He helped seal a January out-of-conference win at Ohio State with a late-game block (2:36 mark in the below video) then had 21 blocks in three ACC tournament games, including eight against NC State followed by a nine-block performance two days later in the ACC tournament title game against Duke.

Ohio State Buckeyes point guard Bruce Thornton

Special skill: Scoring | If you need a bucket, Thornton's your guy.

In March, the four-year senior set the Ohio State program record for scoring, ending his career with 2,164 points.

Thornton can light up a scoreboard with his efficient stroke. He shot 52.9 percent over the past two seasons, including 41.2 percent from beyond the arc, while making multiple clutch baskets.

During the 2024-25 season, he led Ohio State to a thrilling double-overtime comeback victory over West Virginia with a late shot inside the paint, followed by a winning three over No. 18 Maryland in a 73-70 upset win.

Whether shooting from beyond the arc or operating closer to the rim, Thornton offers instant offense. For where he will likely land in the draft, he could be a major steal.