5 Nets 2026 NBA Draft prospects to watch in NCAA Tournament Elite 8

The Brooklyn Nets are nearing the end of their 2025-26 NBA season after enduring another rebuilding campaign that will hopefully provide them with their next franchise player via the 2026 NBA Draft. Brooklyn has been trying to win as many games as possible while developing the younger players on the team, but the Nets are also hoping to get lucky for the Draft. Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Nets selected five players from the 2025 NBA Draft: guard Egor Demin, guard Nolan Traore, forward Drake Powell, guard Ben Saraf, and forward Danny Wolf.

While each of the rookies have had their fair share of successes and struggles, Brooklyn still needs more talent on the roster if it is going to compete as soon as next season. That's not to say that these rookies won't be a factor in the rotation next season, but the Nets are where they are in the Lottery standings for a reason given how much the team has struggled this year. With that being said, here are five players to pay attention to in Friday's NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 that could be draft prospects for the Nets (with the help of Tankathon's Big Board ): Cameron Boozer, F, Duke Boozer is coming off another impressive game after helping Duke beat St.

John's in Thursday's 80-75 Sweet 16 victory as he showed his ability to overpower most players on the interior. While spending most of his time going against St. John's forward Zuby Ejiofor, Boozer put up 22 points and 10 rebounds, but also turned the ball over three times.

Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois Wagler didn't shoot the ball well from the floor (4-of-14) in the Illini's 65-55 win over the Houston Cougars in Thursday's Sweet 16 matchup, but he showed his versatility in other ways. Wagler finished the contest with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists while adding one steal and two blocks, showing that he's effective on the defensive end of the floor as well. Nate Ament, F, Tennessee Ament was a big reason for the Volunteers pulling off an 76-62 upset over Iowa State, especially because of his three-level shotmaking.