With the start of the NBA season approaching fast, it also means that College Basketball is right around the corner. Considering that, now is the time to identify the top prospects of the 2026 NBA Draft cycle. Having already covered the point guards, now is the time to recognize the best shooting guards in the class. Let’s dive into a list of the top shooting guard prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft to watch for this season.
2026 NBA Draft: Top Shooting Guard Prospects To Watch For
Darryn Peterson
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is in the argument of being the top prospect of the 2026 NBA Draft. The six-foot-five Peterson has the perfect size and overall skill set to be the ideal first option for any of the tanking teams. In particular, Peterson is an incredibly skilled three-level scorer and highly capable playmaker on the offensive end. While on the defensive end, Peterson is a skilled and smart defender.
From athleticism to handles to finesse, Peterson is extremely adept at using every tool in his arsenal to create advantages against opposing defenses. In terms of his actual scoring ability, he can certainly score from anywhere on the court. Specifically, Peterson is an elite pull-up shooter from both the mid-range and from three. Unquestionably, he has the confidence and skill to get to his spots and knock down shots. Additionally, he has great touch when getting into the paint, making amazing layups and dropping great floaters. While not the most athletic, Peterson has enough athleticism to throw down powerful dunks, too.
Alongside his scoring and advantage creation skills, Peterson’s well-rounded skill set comes into form through his proficiency as a playmaker and defender. He knows how to read defenses and make smart passing reads of them. Plus, he can manipulate defenses by using his threat to score to open up opportunities for others. Defensively, he utilizes his physical tools well to be a disruptive force, both on and off the ball. Furthermore, his size allows him to defend multiple positions. Overall, Peterson has all the skills to be the star guard for any team that drafts him.
Tounde Yessoufou
Another guard on this list who has the talent to be in the lottery is Baylor guard Tounde Yessoufou. Standing at six-foot-five, Yessoufou is a well-built, athletic swingman who plays with immense motor and physicality. For most of his high school career, Yessoufou made a name for himself with his physical play inside the arc. In particular, he can power through contact for the finish at the rim. Furthermore, his physicality helped Yessoufou consistently go to the free-throw line. In addition to his rim attack, Yessoufou also has touch in the mid-range.
His strength and physicality also translate over to his rebounding and defense. Yessoufou is a versatile defender who has the strength to defend up the lineup and enough quickness to keep up with other guards. Plus, he also knows how to utilize his length to bother passing lanes. His strength and motor allow Yessoufou to be a great rebounder on both ends for someone of his size.
To be sure, Yessoufou has clear areas for him to develop. Specifically, he still needs to improve as a ball-handler, three-point shooter, and overall shot creator. However, his combination of size, strength, and athleticism is tantalizing. Yessoufou and the Baylor Bears will be a team to watch out for during the college season.
Braylon Mullins
Among all the players on this list, UConn guard Braylon Mullins is the best shooter of the group. Not only that, but the six-foot-six guard is also one of the best shooters in the class. He can knock down threes in a variety of ways, including catch-and-shoot, off-the-dribble, or from movement. His shooting form is also very quick and smooth. He certainly has the potential to be an elite shooter at the NBA level. Alongside his three-point shooting, Mullins is also capable of putting the ball on the floor and attacking closeouts. In these situations, Mullins will embrace contact, highlighting his physicality. Plus, Mullins is a smart off-ball mover in terms of his repositioning and cutting. While not necessarily a primary playmaker, he operates well as a connective passer in an offense.
As for defense, Mullins has the size and competitiveness to be a good defender. He consistently demonstrated in high school a high level of motor on the defensive end. Mullins is always using his length to bother opposing players, and his overall size allows him to defend multiple positions. He isn’t the best athlete, and Mullins still needs to fill out his frame, but his three-point shooting, size, and overall skill set are a valuable combination of skills that any team will want.
Isiah Harwell
Despite suffering an ACL injury earlier in his career, Houston guard Isiah Harwell is still one of the best shooting guards in the class. Standing at six-foot-six, Harwell is a sturdy guard with the size and strength to defend on the wings. Not only that, but he also has solid length that he uses to bother passing lanes and grab rebounds. He consistently plays with toughness and motor on the defensive end.
In terms of his offense, Harwell has a smooth jumper that allows him to effectively score in the mid-range and from three. However, he isn’t a great overall ball-handler or shot-creator, which limits his ability to get to the rim or free-throw line. Furthermore, his lack of vertical pop is also detrimental to his ability to pressure the rim. Harwell isn’t a primary playmaker either, but he does slot well as a connective passer. While Harwell isn’t as dynamic as some of the other guards on this list, he does have a solid foundation of size, defense, and shooting that are valuable for any team.
Brayden Burries
To round out this list is six-foot-four guard Brayden Burries, who will play for Arizona this season. Burries is a physically strong guard who possesses three-level scoring ability and solid playmaking skills. He knows how to utilize his strength to play with a high degree of physicality, allowing him to finish through contact. His rim pressure also helps him get to the free-throw line. While he can generate rim pressure, Burries can also extend his scoring to the mid-range and from three, though he can stand to be more consistent from beyond the arc. As for his playmaking, Burries has shown solid passing vision and ability. Defensively, his strength helps Burries defend up the lineup. Burries have all the tools he needs to have an excellent year at Arizona and is someone to keep an eye on.
Honorable Mentions: Dame Sarr, Dash Daniels, Miles Byrd, Paul McNeil Jr., Otega Oweh
© Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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