flag
back Back
2027 NBA Draft: Data Says These Are College Basketball's Top Freshmen

Evan Miyakawa used analytics to rank college basketball's top freshmen entering the season.

Mar 31, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Jordan Smith Jr during the McDonalds All American Boys Game at Desert Diamond Arena. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With college basketball just a few weeks away, Evan Miyakawa has revealed his list of the top 30 incoming college basketball players entering the 2026-27 campaign.

Unlike other analysts, Miyakawa's rankings are largely determined by data and analytics. The data expert's rankings of incoming college basketball players included a handful of the top prospects in the 2027 NBA Draft, but had a different order than many other outlets.

Miyakawa holds doctorate in statistics and has had research featured in articles by ESPN, Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports and other outlets.

Here's a look at Miyakawa's top five incoming players in the nation heading into the 2026-27 season.

5. Miles Sadler, West Virginia

A freshman guard, Sadler was productive on the grassroots circuit in high school and should make an instant impact for the Mountaineers.

Even if the former five-star recruit turns in a prductive freshman season, though, NBA teams will likely be concerned about the West Virginia standout's size. Listed at 6-feet tall and 170 pounds, Sadler could end up in a similar situation to Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner.

Coming out of high school, Sadler was rated the No. 19 overall player and No. 2 point guard in the 2026 recruiting class according to the 247Sports composite rankings.

4. Dylan Mingo, Baylor

Mingo joins his brother, Kayden Mingo, at Baylor after Kayden transferred from Penn State over the offseason.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds, Mingo has the chance to be the Bears' next first-round guard with a strong freshman season in Waco.

Coming out of high school, Mingo was rated the No. 15 overall player and No. 3 combo guard in the 2026 cycle by 247Sports.

3. Caleb Holt, Arizona

Holt joins what should be another strong Wildcats' squad that could feature multiple first-round picks in the 2027 NBA Draft.

Holt will likely be the first Arizona player off the board, and has the potential to be one of the top picks in the upcoming class.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound guard was rated the No. 3 overall player and No. 1 shooting guard in the 2026 recruiting class by 247Sports.

Stokes appears to be the frontrunner for top pick in the 2027 draft entering the 2026-26 season.

Listed at 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds, Stokes has impressive physical traits that should set him apart in what is expected to be a weaker draft class.

Stokes was rated the No. 1 overall player and No. 1 small forward in the 2026 cycle by 247Sports.

1. Jordan Smith Jr., Arkansas

Smith is in line to be the next John Calipari-coached guard prospect, following an impressive lineage of players that includes multiple NBA MVPs and a handful of All-Stars.

Smith is the most highly touted of an impressive 2026 recruiting class for the Razorbacks, rated the No. 2 overall player and No. 1 combo guard in the nation.

Derek Parker of NBA Draft on SI paired Smith with the Houston Rockets at No. 3 overall in his first projection of the 2027 NBA Draft.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

You may like

Where all 16 former Arizona basketball stars are playing in the NBA this season

si.com 1 godzina temu

Counting Down the Cavs: Breaking Down the Number 2 in Cleveland's History

si.com 1 godzina temu

Canadians in the NBA for the 2026-27 Season

nba.com 1 godzina temu

LeBron James to wear special-edition 24th season jersey patch this season

nba.com 2 godziny temu

Every former Michigan State player on an NBA roster this season

aol.com 1 godzina temu

Kings' Chances to Make 2027 NBA Playoffs Could Not Be Lower

si.com 2 godziny temu

All Eyes Will Be On Shai Gilgeous-Alexander On Opening Night

si.com 31 minut temu

‘How Did I End Up the Bad Guy?’ – Clippers Legend Blake Griffin Revisits Steve Ballmer Drama Afte...

aol.com 2 godziny temu

Grizzlies Exercise 2027-28 Options On Cedric Coward, Zach Edey

basketball.realgm.com 1 godzina temu

Three Bold Predictions For USC Trojans vs. Wisconsin Badgers

si.com 1 godzina temu