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.
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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
Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) shoots as Texas Christian University Horned Frogs forward David Punch (15) defends in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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.
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Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Nick Boyd (2) defends against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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
Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Ament was a big reason for the Volunteers pulling off an 76-62 upset over Iowa State, especially because of his three-level shotmaking. Ament finished the matchup with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, but he only played 25 minutes due to foul trouble. Ament seems to look the part of a versatile scorer that has the size to compete defensively.
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Isaiah Evans, F, Duke
Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) drives to the basket against Texas Christian University Horned Frogs guard Jayden Pierre (1) during the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Evans was arguably the best player on the floor for Duke in their win over St. John’s as he totaled 25 points and four rebounds while shooting 10-of-15 from the field and 4-of-8 from three-point land. Evans profiles as the kind of slasher/shooter wing that can provide what is needed from him and he could be a possible target for the Nets in the second round.
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Mar 27, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) is double teamed by Alabama Crimson Tide center Noah Williamson (15) and forward Amari Allen (5) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Mara had a solid stat line in Friday’s 90-77 Sweet 16 win over Alabama as he finished the contest with eight points, five rebounds, and two blocks in 27 minutes. Mara is a potential draft prospect because of his ability to finish around the basket and protect the rim, but his ability to produce while staying out of foul trouble should push up further up the board, potentially still being in early second-round range for Brooklyn.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 5 Nets 2026 NBA Draft prospects to watch in NCAA Tournament Elite 8