Darryn Peterson Listed As No. 1 Prospect In ESPN 2026 Mock Draft

We have yet to hit the 2025 NBA Draft, but already, there are signs of who will go No. 1 in 2026. That’s because ESPN experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo have published their first ’26 mock draft.

And the No. 1 player on that list? Darryn Peterson, the 6-foot-6 combo guard who’s headed to Kansas next season.

For those of you in Northeast Ohio, Peterson’s high school career began at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (my alma mater), where he played his freshman and senior seasons.

Along with Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Nate Ament all generating significant buzz from NBA scouts.

Peterson currently plays at Prolific Prep in California and sits atop ESPN’s abbreviated 2026 draft board. The Kansas commit has impressed talent evaluators with his all-around game, particularly his ability to create shots.

His standout performances, including a 61-point showing against Dybantsa, have only strengthened his case as the top player in the class.

Givony describes Peterson as the best shot creator in the 2026 pool, noting his strong ball-handling, scoring ability, and physical tools. Some scouts even view him as a larger version of NBA star Damian Lillard.

At No. 2, Dybantsa is considered by many to be a legitimate candidate for the top spot, though Givony suggests that Peterson’s rise has more to do with his performance than any perceived shortcomings on Dybantsa’s part.

The 6-9 guard/forward, a BYU commit, has displayed an impressive scoring ability and is regarded as one of the best on-ball defenders in his class. NBA teams are said to be in search of players with Dybantsa’s two-way potential.

Boozer, the 6-9 forward and son of former NBA player Carlos Boozer, holds the No. 3 spot on ESPN’s rankings. With an “elite” feel for the game, Boozer is positioned to be one of the top players in college basketball next season at Duke.

Givony notes that Boozer’s versatile offensive game and defensive capabilities have earned him comparisons to former top pick Paolo Banchero. His extensive winning background, including gold medals in FIBA tournaments and a Florida state title, only adds to his appeal.

Ament, the No. 4 prospect, remains uncommitted for the 2025-2026 season, with Duke, Kentucky, and Louisville among the schools vying for his commitment. The 6-11 big man is still developing but has shown potential as a shot-maker, passer, and defender.

Givony notes that Ament’s long-term ceiling remains an open question, but his upside is undeniable.

Rounding out the top five, Jayden Quaintance, a freshman at Arizona State, is already making waves as one of the best shot-blockers in college basketball. The 6-9 big man’s impressive defensive presence has placed him firmly on the radar of NBA scouts as the No. 5 prospect for the 2026 draft.