The race to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft will be one of the biggest storylines in the 2025-26 NCAA season. After Cooper Flagg left for the association following a terrific season with the Duke Blue Devils, the race to be the first overall selection is back on.
AJ Dybantsa was considered by many as the clear favorite to hear his name called in next yearâs draft, but there are at least two players with serious chances to earn that honor: Kansas Jayhawksâ Darryn Peterson and Dukeâs Cameron Boozer.
Peterson shone at Prolific Prep before committing to Bill Selfâs team. The combo guard carries high expectations into his freshman season, and some believe he has already surpassed his competition for the No. 1 overall selection.
Analyst makes bold statement about Darryn Petersonâs draft stock
College basketball analyst Cory Taluba said Peterson is already the No. 1 prospect in the country during a recent appearance on âThe Field of 68: After Darkâ podcast.
AJ Dybantsa (7)
âAs of today, I donât even have to hesitate. I think itâs Darryn Peterson,â he said. âHe might be the best shooting guard prospect in 25, maybe 30 years, maybe going back to Kobe (Bryant). I even tried watching some Kobe high school film just to see what that looked like. I think heâs that special. I really, really do.â
Peterson should showcase his talents under a coach like Self. He has high expectations for the freshman ahead of a season with plenty of challenges for Kansas.
