Kansas’ Darryn Peterson viewed as top NBA draft prospect in close race

The race for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft remains unsettled, though Darryn Peterson continues to hold a narrow edge, according to ESPN.

Peterson sits atop ESPN’s latest Big Board, followed closely by AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer. ESPN spoke with multiple NBA scouts and college coaches, many of whom view all three freshmen as legitimate candidates to go first overall, depending on team needs and how the season unfolds.

Peterson, a 6-foot-6 guard at Kansas, has drawn praise for his scoring versatility and ability to handle a high-usage role. Scouts cited his offensive polish and composure as separating traits, even as questions remain about whether he projects as a full-time point guard at the next level.

Peterson averaged 20 points through his first three games before missing time with a hamstring injury, returning Dec. 7 with 17 points in 23 minutes.

BYU’s Dybantsa offers a different appeal. The 6-9 forward is averaging 20.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting better than 55 percent from the field. His size and positional versatility continue to intrigue evaluators, though concerns persist about perimeter consistency.

Boozer, meanwhile, has surged into the conversation. The Duke forward is averaging 23.0 points and 9.9 rebounds and has emerged as a National Player of the Year candidate. Scouts acknowledged his production, while noting questions about explosiveness and long-term ceiling.