Welcome to Week 3 of The Long Forecast on NetsDaily.
As each week goes by, more tape on these prospects for the 2026 NBA draft class continues to surface, and they could go down as one of the most talented
classes over the past decade.
Where do the Nets’ picks sit?
Since last week’s column, Brooklyn has gone 1-1 and still owns the league’s sixth-worst record at 7–18, remaining in the same draft slot as a week ago.
As things stand, the Nets’ own second-round pick projects at No. 36 overall, while their additional second-round selection, acquired from the Atlanta Hawks, sits at No. 47.
Risers
Bradyen Burries, Arizona
In 34 minutes against Alabama on Saturday, Burries poured in 28 points with seven rebounds and two assists, shooting 66.7% from the field and knocking down half of his attempts from beyond the arc.
On the season, the 6’4”, 205-pound guard is averaging 13.5 points in 27.2 minutes per game, though efficiency has been the swing factor in his evaluation. The 20-year-old is shooting 46.2% from the floor and 35% from three, numbers he’ll look to push upward.
Saturday’s performance against the Crimson Tide was a clear step in the right direction, showcasing the scoring profile and physical traits NBA teams covet at the shooting guard position.
Myles Colvin, Wake Forest
Colvin exploded for 33 points Sunday night, leading Wake Forest to a 111-73 win over Queens University Charlotte. He also finished with eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals in the lopsided victory.
A 6’8” athletic guard/wing, Colvin’s biggest knock a season ago was his inconsistency from beyond the arc. He has addressed that area early this year, shooting 40.7% from three through nine games.
His value extends beyond scoring. Colvin has established himself as a stingy perimeter defender, a trait NBA teams continue to prioritize in the modern game.
As a riser in this class, he’s still making noticeable strides, and there remains plenty left for him to unlock, which only adds to his intrigue moving forward.
Fallers
Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
Quaintance came into the season with real buzz, but the early returns have been discouraging. The tools are apparent, yet the production hasn’t been consistent, especially offensively, where he’s struggled to make a consistent impact.
There’s no long-term panic here; he’s still young, and there is plenty of room for growth, but right now, he needs to build consistency on both ends of the floor.
The 18-year-old is currently averaging 9.4 points per game and 7.9 rebounds throughout 29.5 minutes, while shooting 52.5% from the field and converting just 18.8% of his three-point chances.
It is also essential to keep in mind that he suffered a torn ACL less than one year ago.
Sleepers
Amani Hansberry, Virginia Tech
Hansberry has taken a noticeable leap from his sophomore season into his junior campaign, emerging as a legitimate second-round sleeper.
The 6’8”, 240-pound wing checks many of the boxes NBA teams look for in a diamond-in-the-rough prospect, starting with his feel for the game. He’s a smart, low-mistake player, averaging just 1.5 turnovers in 30.6 minutes per game this season.
Hansberry is producing at a high level, averaging 15.9 points and 7.9 rebounds while shooting 50.4% from the field.
At the next level, he projects as an interior scorer who can defend on the wing, a skill set that continues to grow in value across the league.
Spotlight of the week
Koa Peat, Arizona
As the NCAA season progresses, Peat’s play continues to stand out.
In nine games this season, Peat has averaged 14.8 points per game, coupled with five rebounds across 26.8 minutes on 55.4% shooting from the field.
Standing at 6’9”, Peat scores effectively down low, is a solid rebounder, and is able to defend multiple positions.
He has also emerged as one of the more effective playmaking wings in the college game, ranking in the 84th percentile in assists per 40 minutes.
Peat offers the two-way impact that NBA talent evaluators want to see, and it’s why his name will continue to come up more and more as the draft approaches.
This week’s watch guide
Here is a list of games fans should tune into this week:
- Lipscomb vs. Duke: December 16, 6 p.m. tip-off. Look out for Duke’s Dame Sarr.
- Louisville vs. Tennessee: December 16, 7 p.m. tip-off. Look out for Tennessee’s Nate Ammet and Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr.
- Butler vs. UConn: December 16, 8:30 p.m. tip-off: Look out for UConn’s Braylon Mullins.
- South Florida vs. Alabama: December 17, 8 p.m. tip-off: Look out for Alabama’s Taylor Bol-Bowen.
- UNC vs. Ohio State: December 20, 3 p.m. tip-off. Look out for UNC’s Caleb Wilson.
- Colgate vs. Florida: December 21, 12 p.m. tip-off. Look out for Florida’s Boogie Fland.
