Beyond lottery locks, discover dynamic guards and versatile wings poised to surprise and fit perfectly into OKC's system.
The first wave of prospects highlighted for Thunder fans this college season focused on a few of the headline names, the five star recruits, the future lottery locks, and the big board regulars.
But with Oklahoma City potentially holding multiple first round picks in future drafts, the pool of players worth tracking stretches far deeper than just the top tier. The Thunder have historically thrived by identifying versatile, skilled, high IQ prospects who fit their developmental system, and this year’s college landscape offers a new batch of names who could align with that philosophy.
Consider this the Part 2 list, a wider, more diverse group of prospects who could rise, surprise, or project as strong fits for OKC.
One of the most intriguing names is Mikel Brown Jr., a dynamic guard at Louisville. Brown blends advanced shot creation with excellent feel, making him a potential multi-level scoring option. His pace, poise, and pick-and-roll comfort give him a style that would translate well in the Thunder’s decision making heavy offense.
While he isn’t as explosive as the top guards in the class, his craft and playmaking could make him a strong value pick.
At Baylor, Tounde Yessoufou brings the type of physicality and relentless motor that often pops early in the season. A powerful wing with impressive defensive instincts, Yessoufou thrives in transition and embraces contact.
As his jumper develops, his two-way versatility could position him as one of the big risers in the 2026 draft cycle, the kind of moldable athlete Oklahoma City has taken swings on before.
Another guard to monitor is Bennett Stritz from Iowa. He isn’t the flashiest prospect, but he’s steady, cerebral, and skilled. Stritz’s shooting touch, decision making, and ability to control tempo make him one of the safer prospects in the class.
He projects as the type of reliable contributor who could thrive alongside stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams without needing high usage.
One of the more unique forwards in the class is Yaxel Lendeborg at Michigan. With a massive wingspan and legitimate face up skill, Lendeborg offers defensive switchability and budding offensive upside. His long term trajectory could resemble the rangy, multifaceted forwards Oklahoma City has favored in recent drafts.
International style playmaking comes into focus with Neoklis Avdalas, a 6’9” point forward at Virginia Tech. His combination of size, ball handling, and shooting feel makes him one of the rare jumbo creators in the class. If he adapts quickly to the physicality of the ACC, he could become one of the more fascinating early entry candidates.
Two sleepers round out the list are Keonte Jones of Dayton and Brandon Mitchell-Day of Dartmouth. Jones is a strong, athletic wing who rebounds, defends, and fills gaps, a potential connector piece within a winning lineup.
Mitchell-Day, meanwhile, is an underrated 6’8” forward with shooting touch and passing vision, the type of late blooming prospect who often rises as the draft approaches.
For a team with as much draft capital as the Thunder, tracking these emerging prospects is essential. This upcoming college season won’t just showcase the elite names, it will reveal the next wave of skilled, versatile players who may one day wear blue and orange.