Biggest Risers and Fallers from Our New 2026 NBA Mock Draft
Bleacher Report's 2026 draft board received another update heading into the NCAA tournament.
The most notable movement shows in the draft's second tier, where there's plenty of debate among the class' top freshmen point guards.
A few injured players have also dropped, as there's just limited margin for error in such a strong and deep draft.
There is a good chance many high-profile prospects will be playing into the second weekend of March Madness. We'll continue to update the board as the tournament advances.
Rising: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
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Position: PG/SG | Size: 6'3", 190 lbs | Age: 19
Current Mock Draft Position: No. 6
Previous Mock Draft Position: No. 8
Darius Acuff Jr. just powered Arkansas to three wins in the SEC tournament, averaging 30.3 points and 7.7 assists. He was in takeover mode from start to finish, with offense running through blow-by driving ability, self-creation, tough shotmaking and sound decision-making.
The late-game execution we've seen all year has carried over into the postseason. The reliable and clutch play at the end of clocks and games highlights intangibles that can sway scouts to buy the person behind the player and look past historically worrisome details about size or analytics.
The numbers and tape show clear expertise when it comes to ball-handling, footwork, shooting (50.5 percent off the catch, 39.5 percent off the dribble), floater touch (47.9 percent) and playmaking (32.2 assist percentage, 10.0 turnover percentage). Even his finishing adjustments have worked well, despite him having to play mostly below the rim.
And still, it's the poise and maturity as a No. 1 option that could persuade teams to draft a 6'3" ball-handler over the bigger guards.
Falling: Neoklis Avdalas (Virginia Tech)
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Position: SG/SF | Size: 6'9", 215 lbs | Age: 20
Current Mock Draft Position: Off the board
Previous Mock Draft Position: No. 42
Neoklis Avdalas' close to the season was ugly, as he finished a combined 5-of-16 from the floor with six turnovers and two assists in losses to Virginia and Wake Forest.
His final true shooting percentage: 49.1 percent, a number that makes you question each facet of his scoring under an NBA scouting lens.
Avdalas' playmaking at 6'9" remains intriguing, and there were enough flashes of shotmaking to believe there's something there with his jumper. But at this point, for a wing who's a year older than most freshmen, it's difficult to feel confident that Avdalas will offer any above-average skill or trait aside from passing.
Rising: Zuby Ejiofor (St. John's)
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Position: PF | Size: 6'9", 245 lbs | Age: 21
Current Mock Draft Position: No. 38
Previous Mock Draft Position: 45
After struggling against Tarris Reed last month, Zuby Ejiofor bounced back for 18 points and nine boards during St. John's blowout over Connecticut in the Big East Tournament Final.
He added seven blocks and three steals as well, and that defensive activity is something NBA teams will clearly covet in an energizer role. But Ejiofor also showed off his improved offense against a 6'11", 265-pound center, beating him with dribble drive action, post scoring and even three-point range.
Regardless of how much or little teams think the scoring can translate to the NBA, he checks a variety of role-player boxes with athleticism, motor and passing that should continue resulting in easy baskets, second-chance points, assists and defensive playmaking at the next level.
Falling: Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky)
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Position: PF | Size: 6'10", 255 lbs | Age: 18
Current Mock Draft Position: No. 13
Previous Mock Draft Position: No. 10
Even if Jayden Quaintance makes an appearance in the NCAA tournament, it's difficult to picture real minutes or impact. He's only played four games this year after last year's ACL tear, with the last one coming in early January. And he wasn't able to show much in that span, leaving scouts with questions now about his knee health and offensive development.
Given his age, tools and flashes at Arizona State, potential alone could sway lottery teams to take a swing and remain patient. His strength and length defensively can change games. But in this draft, where there will be exciting options in each tier of the first round, front offices may be more hesitant to gamble.
Promising medical reports may not be enough for lottery teams if he's unable to play or show anything during March Madness.
Rising: Duke Miles (Vanderbilt)
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Position: PG | Size: 6'2", 180 lbs | Age: 24
Current Mock Draft Position: No. 56
Previous Mock Draft Position: Off the board
Duke Miles opened the SEC tournament with 30 points in a win over Tennessee. He closed with a 19-point, nine-assist game against Arkansas. He's nearly reinvented himself offensively in his sixth college season, having become a bigger threat to shoot off the dribble and create for teammates as a top option.
He plays quick and physical attacking and forcing turnovers. His three-ball and decision-making have also gotten much better since he left Troy.
Miles seems capable of drawing second-round interest for his ability to apply pressure at both ends. He'll be one of the draft's older players, but scouts could start to picture an NBA-ready reserve who'll earn minutes with aggressive defense, ball-screen play and a capable catch-and-shoot stroke.
