The case for No. 1: Why Darryn Peterson is climbing past AJ Dybantsa

With the 2026 NBA Draft just days away, the debate over who should go No. 1 overall has taken a turn. According to Jeremy Woo’s final big board for ESPN, Darryn Peterson has officially overtaken AJ Dybantsa as the top prospect in the class, a late shift that reflects just how dominant Peterson’s rise has been over the past year.

All you need to know about Darryn Peterson

Peterson, a 6′6″ guard out of University of Kansas, enters the draft as one of the most polished and dangerous offensive players in the class. A true combo guard with point guard instincts and shooting guard scoring ability, he spent his freshman season proving he can handle both roles at a high level against elite competition.

During his lone college season, Peterson averaged roughly 21 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game, immediately establishing himself as the focal point of Kansas’ offense. He shot efficiently from all three levels, hovering around 45% from the field and over 35% from three, while also taking on heavy usage in late-game situations. His ability to create his own shot, especially in isolation and pick-and-roll, separated him from nearly every other guard in college basketball.

What truly elevated Peterson’s stock, however, was not just the production, but how he produced it. He consistently delivered in big moments, showing advanced footwork, change-of-pace dribbling, and a deep scoring package that includes step-backs, pull-ups, and tough finishes through contact. Scouts have repeatedly pointed to his “three-level scoring” as NBA-ready from day one.

What sets Peterson apart

Peterson’s biggest differentiator is his shotmaking. In a draft class loaded with athletic wings and long-term upside bets, he offers something more immediate. He’s a player who can get a bucket anytime, anywhere on the floor. His handle allows him to create separation, and his confidence in taking (and making) difficult shots mirrors that of established NBA stars.

He also brings underrated playmaking ability. While known as a scorer first, Peterson showed he can operate as a lead guard, reading defenses and creating opportunities for teammates. That versatility gives teams flexibility in how they deploy him, whether as a primary initiator or an off-ball scorer.

Defensively, he has the size and tools to hold his own against both guard spots, though consistency on that end will be an area for growth at the next level. Still, his competitiveness and physical profile suggest he won’t be a liability.

The No. 1 pick conversation

For much of the past year, Dybantsa was widely viewed as the favorite to go No. 1 thanks to his size, athleticism, and two-way upside. But as the draft approaches, Peterson’s combination of production, polish, and offensive reliability has made him increasingly appealing to teams at the top of the board.

In a class where upside is abundant but certainty is rare, Peterson offers both. He may not have the same long-term physical ceiling as some of his peers, but he has a proven ability to perform at a high level against elite competition.

With the draft coming up this Tuesday, June 23, the momentum is real, and Darryn Peterson has put himself in position to hear his name called first.

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