NCAA Tournament. Guards to watch! March 17, 2026.
Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas) stands out as a dynamic offensive engine. At 6'2" with a 6'6" wingspan, he creates shots for himself and teammates, posting 22.9 points and 6.5 assists per game. His 44.5% three-point shooting is elite, making him a top SEC offensive weapon. He is aggressive yet in control offensively. He is best when he gets a rhythm dribble at the three-point line. If a defender gets too close, he blows by. If they give him space, he can make deep shots with accuracy. He does have defensive deficiencies that will have to improve to become a consistent winner in the NBA. He is rarely in a proper defensive stance when he's off-the-ball, and he loses sight of ball and man too often. Arkansas is -5.9 per 100 possessions defensively when he’s on the floor. That stated, Acuff has rare abilities that have some projecting him as the first pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Darryn Peterson (Kansas), standing 6'5" with a 6'11" wingspan, is a dual-threat scorer. Averaging 19.8 points, he’s a 38.4% three-point shooter who can punish defenses from outside or attack off the dribble. At his best, he looks like a future Hall of Fame player that scores with ease. While his highlight plays impress, injuries have plagued him, leaving scouts to wonder if it’s bad luck or a durability concern. If he stays healthy and sharp on both ends, his upside is undeniable. He too will have to prove he can care more on the defensive end.
Brayden Burries, a 20-year-old shooting guard from Arizona, stands 6'5" with a 6'10" wingspan. He weighs 205 pounds and is a versatile scorer. Burries averages 15.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, shooting 36.7% from three. He ranks fifth in Big 12 box score plus-minus. As he continues to refine his playmaking and efficiency, he’s emerging as a reliable threat for Arizona.
Mikel Brown Jr., a 19-year-old combo guard from Louisville, stands 6'4" with a 6'6" wingspan. At this young age, he’s a potent scorer who averages 18.2 points and 4.7 assists per game. He’s especially effective creating his own shot, with a smooth mid-range game and a 34.4% three-point clip. His ability to score is impressive. His court aggression is a strength, but it also means he occasionally forces shots. He’s dealing with a back injury now, and his availability for the tournament is uncertain.
Kingston Flemings, a poised 19-year-old point guard from Houston, stands 6'4" and weighs 190 pounds. Despite his youth, Flemings plays with an uncommon maturity and calm on the court. He averages 16.4 points and 5.3 assists per game. His shot could improve. It is a bit flat but his accuracy allows him to make 39.2% from three. What stands out most is his ability to process quickly. He rarely forces the issue, keeping his team steady in high-pressure moments. He is great at getting into the paint. While he’s still growing physically and adding strength, his basketball IQ and composure make him a special prospect. Flemmings ranks second in the Big 12 in box score plus-minus, a testament to his overall impact on both ends.
LaBaron Philon, a 20-year-old shooting guard from Alabama, stands 6'3" with a 6'6" wingspan. He’s an explosive scorer, averaging 21.7 points and 4.7 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 40.2% from three. Philon was named First Team All-SEC this season, reflecting his elite offensive talent. His athleticism allows him to create separation both off the catch and on the drive, making him a perimeter threat.
The class of guards in this tournament is impressive and deep. Players ranked in our top 60 for the 2026 NBA Draft include: Keaton Wagler from Illinois, Tyler Tanner from Vanderbilt, Christian Anderson from Texas Tech, Malique Thomas from Arkansas, Braylon Mullins from Connecticut, Ryan Conwell from Louisville, Bennett Stirtz from Iowa, Bruce Thornton Jr of Ohio State, Isaiah Evans from Duke, Jeremy Fears of Michigan State, Matt Able of NC State, Braden Smith from Purdue, and Kellen Thames of Saint Louis.
