NCAA analyst makes bold prediction about Darryn Peterson

Last season was a special one for the college basketball scene. However, like happens every now and then, Cooper Flagg was several steps above everybody else in the race for the ‘best prospect in the nation’ distinction.

That’s not going to be the case this time around. While most scouts agree that AJ Dybantsa is leading the pack right now, that could all change sooner rather than later.

That’s because Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks will have Darryn Peterson there, and, according to Jamie Shaw of On3, he will be in for a huge role right out of the gate.

Darryn Peterson could be the best player in the nation

“My questions with Peterson come not with the production, because I think he’s going to be wildly productive this season,” said Shaw. “I think he could be First Team All-American type of production this college season. His production is off the charts and I feel like he’s going to continue that production because Kansas’ offense is going to be tailored around his pick-and-roll, with him and Flory Bidunga. He’s got a chance to have a wildly productive year.”

Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks

As things stand now, Peterson is projected to be the second player taken in the 2026 NBA Draft. Then again, he will have a legitimate chance to take down Dybantsa for that spot.

It won’t be easy, and other players like Duke’s Cameron Boozer will also be in the mix, but he has all the tools and will have more than enough touches to prove his worth.