What a remarkable night for the Grind Session and a strong illustration of how influential the circuit has become in elite player development.
In the 2026 NBA Draft, three of the first six selections were former Grind Session players:
#1- pick, AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards
#2- pick Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz
#6- Mikel Brown Jr., Brooklyn Nets
Dybantsa's selection also gives the Grind Session its third No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick, joining:
- Deandre Ayton (2018)
- Paolo Banchero (2022)
- AJ Dybantsa (2026)
Beyond those three lottery selections, six additional first-round picks had Grind Session experience during their high school careers:
- Cameron Boozer
- Darius Acuff Jr.
- Nate Ament
- Jayden Quaintance
- Labaron Philon
- Cameron Carr
That means at least nine first-round selections in the 2026 draft had Grind Session ties, including the top two picks and three of the first six selections. With Ayton, Banchero, and now Dybantsa becoming No. 1 overall picks after competing on the circuit, the Grind Session has established itself as the most productive independent high school basketball platform in the world.
Dybansta played for Prolific Prep and Utah Prep, Peterson, the 2025 Naismith High School Player of the Year, played at Prolific Prep and Brown Jr. was a standout at DME Academy, and it was no surprise to head coach Matt Panaggio that Mikel was selected high in the draft.
“Mikel accomplished his dream of getting drafted into the NBA. He’s an incredible person and comes from an incredible family and worked tirelessly to get to this point. Myself and the rest of the DME staff are happy we were a part in his journey and are so proud of him” Matt said.
The six lottery picks were the most in a single draft for the Grind Session, and the nine selections overall in the first round were also a Grind Session record.
