The 2026 NBA Draft opened with a surprise for the Atlantic Coast Conference as four of its rising stars heard their names called in the first round, a feat that underscores the league’s continued dominance in producing top talent.
Boozer’s Historic Selection
Cameron Boozer from Duke became the centerpiece of the night, sliding to the third overall pick and landing with the Memphis Grizzlies. The forward was crowned unanimous National Player of the Year earlier in the season, a distinction that added weight to his ascent.
North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson followed at the fourth spot, chosen by the Chicago Bulls. The Tar Heels’ forward has been hailed as the program’s highest draft selection since Marvin Williams in 2005, a milestone that has energized the fan base.
Later in the first round, Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. was selected sixth overall by the Brooklyn Nets. The Cardinals’ guard is now the highest draft pick for the school since Felton Spencer in 1990, a testament to the program’s resurgence.
Stanford’s Ebuka Okorie was taken with the seventeenth pick by Oklahoma City, a selection that immediately led to a trade to the Detroit Pistons. Okorie’s 23.2 points per game average set a new benchmark for ACC freshmen.
A Historic Streak Continues
The cascade of selections extends a streak that began 18 years ago, during which the conference has logged 42 lottery picks — the most of any league. The ACC also boasts 206 total draft picks since 2000, and its first‑round presence has endured for 38 consecutive seasons.