GOD55 Sports | 2026 NBA Draft Combine: 73 Prospects Ready to Shine in Chicago

The annual AWS NBA Draft Combine will take place May 10-17 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago

Key Points for the 2026 NBA Draft Combine

73 Top Prospects: An exclusive list of players will showcase their skills.
Chicago Bound: The combine takes place at Wintrust Arena and Marriott Marquis from May 10-17.
G League Pathway: Standouts from the preceding AWS NBA G League Draft Combine 2026 will earn invitations.
Mandatory Event: All invited players are required to attend and participate.

The Road to Stardom Begins: What to Expect in Chicago

From skill drills to crucial interviews, the AWS NBA Draft Combine 2026 is the ultimate proving ground. This week-long event offers NBA scouts, general managers, and coaches an unparalleled opportunity to evaluate the next generation of talent up close. It’s more than just physical tests; it's about showcasing basketball IQ and competitive drive.

Key Dates and Venues

The action unfolds in the Windy City. The main event, the AWS NBA Draft Combine 2026, is scheduled from May 10-17. Players will navigate physical measurements, medical screenings, athletic testing, shooting drills, and five-on-five scrimmages, all under the intense gaze of NBA decision-makers. The Wintrust Arena will host the on-court activities, with player accommodations and additional events at the Marriott Marquis.

Before the main combine, the AWS NBA G League Draft Combine 2026 will run from May 8-10 at Wintrust Arena. This event provides a crucial platform for G League hopefuls, with top performers earning a coveted spot in the larger NBA Combine. It highlights the expanding pathways to the NBA.

Who's In? A Look at the Elite 73-Player Field

The NBA has officially extended invitations to 73 players for the 2026 NBA Draft Combine. This meticulously selected group represents some of the most promising young basketball talent globally, poised to make the leap to the next level. Every player on this list has a chance to significantly boost their draft stock.

College Powerhouses Represented

The invite list is a roll call of college basketball's elite programs. Powerhouses like North Carolina State, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Arizona, Kansas, UCLA, Duke, Wisconsin, Illinois, Louisville, Baylor, Houston, Florida, Michigan State, UConn, Kentucky, Purdue, and Ohio State are sending their brightest stars. Players such as Cameron Boozer (Duke), Flory Bidunga (Kansas), and Darryn Peterson (Kansas) are among the highly anticipated names from the collegiate ranks. The depth of talent from these programs is evident.

International Flair and G League Paths

Beyond the collegiate standouts, the 2026 NBA Draft Combine also features international prospects and players from other professional leagues. Talents like Jack Kayil from Alba Berlin (Germany), Sergio de Larrea from Valencia (Spain), and Karim Lopez from the New Zealand Breakers (Australia) underscore the global reach of the NBA Draft. Additionally, the unique opportunity for AWS NBA G League Draft Combine invitees to earn a spot demonstrates the league's commitment to finding talent from diverse avenues.

Mandatory Attendance: The Stakes Are High

The Collective Bargaining Agreement dictates that all invited players must attend and participate in the NBA Draft Combine. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a requirement that underscores the importance the league places on this evaluation period. While exceptions can be made for specific circumstances, full engagement is expected. Players skipping the combine could face significant challenges in the draft process, emphasizing the critical nature of this event for their professional futures. Their performance here can truly shape their draft narrative.