Darryn Peterson, Boozer, Dybantsa Race to No. 1

The Race for the Top: Darryn Peterson, Boozer, and Dybantsa Vie for No. 1 in 2026 NBA Draft

The college basketball season is just beginning, but the race for the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is already in full swing. Three standout freshmen—Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and AJ Dybantsa—have captured scouts' attention with their exceptional performances in the preseason. Each has shown the potential to become a franchise cornerstone, and the competition for the No. 1 selection is expected to be fierce.

Darryn Peterson: The Polished Perimeter Scorer

Kansas guard Darryn Peterson has quickly established himself as one of the most polished players in the 2026 class. In his preseason debut, he torched Louisville for 26 points, including six 3-pointers in just 25 minutes. Scouts praise his well-rounded offensive game, which combines lethal shooting with solid playmaking. However, the question remains: can Peterson maintain his efficiency while leading the Jayhawks' offense against tougher competition? His ability to improve his decision-making from high school to college will be under scrutiny this season.

Cameron Boozer: The Mismatch Nightmare

The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron is living up to the hype. He dominated UCF with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, then followed up with an impressive 24-point, 23-rebound performance against Tennessee. Boozer combines strength, skill, and footwork that make him a matchup problem at power forward. Yet, scouts are curious about his long-term flexibility on defense, especially when playing against bigger, stronger opponents at the center position.

AJ Dybantsa: The Physically Dominant Force

Forward AJ Dybantsa has shown his power and scoring ability early on. He exploded for 30 points against Nebraska and added 18 points against North Carolina. His ability to draw fouls and attack the basket is already elite. However, Dybantsa must work on his defensive consistency and his jumper, which currently has a flatter trajectory. If he can refine these areas, he could solidify his spot at the top.

The Road Ahead: Intense Competition and High Stakes

With all three prospects looking like potential All-Stars, the 2026 NBA Draft promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The gap between this trio and the rest of the class is significant, and we can expect teams to tank in 2026 to secure a top pick. Additionally, the weakness of the 2027 draft class will only heighten the urgency to land one of these players.

Other prospects, such as Arizona's freshmen Koa Peat, Brayden Burries, and Dwayne Aristode, are also turning heads. But for now, the focus is on Peterson, Boozer, and Dybantsa. The race is on, and it's anyone's game.

"All three look like guys who could be All-Stars quickly in the NBA." — High-ranking NBA executive