The 2026 Maui Invitational is shaping up as an early showcase for some of the best 2027 NBA Draft talent in college basketball.
The event begins Nov. 23 and, even with several other multi-team events in the mix, it still brings together a strong field. BYU, VCU, Clemson and Arizona are in the bracket after all four reached the NCAA Tournament in 2026. Washington, Mississippi, Colorado State and Providence round out the group.
That gives scouts a chance to track several players who could hear their names called in the 2027 draft, including a few who already have lottery buzz.
At the top of the list is BYU freshman wing AJ Branch. He steps into the spotlight after the Cougars lost 2026 top pick AJ Dybantsa, and the expectations are already high.
Branch was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 6 overall recruit and the No. 2 small forward in the 2026 class, and he has the kind of frame and skill set that points toward first-round upside. Listed at 6-foot-7 and 190 pounds, Branch was originally slated for the 2027 recruiting cycle before reclassifying to 2026.
BYU opens against Washington.
Arizona has its own major freshman to watch in Brayden Holt. The Wildcats brought in one of the most coveted players in the 2026 class, with 247Sports ranking him No. 3 overall and the No. 1 shooting guard in the country.
At 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, Holt is expected to help fill the hole left by top-10 pick Brayden Burries, and there’s a real chance he ends up going even higher than his predecessor. Arizona faces Colorado State in the first round, and Holt will be one of several potential 2027 draft names on that roster.
Providence also brings a player with NBA Draft history already attached to his name. Wing Jared Byrd has been on draft boards for multiple seasons and even tested the 2025 NBA Draft waters before choosing to return to school.
After four seasons at San Diego State, he transferred to Providence for his final year. In 2025-26, Byrd averaged 10.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 40.5% from the field and 30.8% from 3-point range, and he was named Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
His offense still needs work, but his defense alone could be enough to get him into the 2027 NBA Draft conversation. Providence meets VCU in the opening round.
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