TITLE: Three-Way Battle Emerges for No. 1 Spot in 2026 NBA Draft
SLUG: three-way-battle-for-top-pick-2026-nba-draft
CONTENT:
The race to become the first player selected in the 2026 NBA Draft is already taking shape, and scouts currently view it as a tight contest among three freshmen: Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, BYU wing AJ Dybantsa and Duke forward/center Cameron Boozer.
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo lists Peterson atop his latest big board, followed by Dybantsa and Boozer. Woo and colleague Jeff Borzello surveyed NBA scouts and college coaches to gauge how the trio is being evaluated less than halfway through the college season.
Peterson’s Explosive Start Tempered by Injuries
Peterson, a 6’5″ combo guard, has produced when healthy, averaging 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals in four appearances while shooting 52.8 percent from the field, 42.3 percent from three and 76.9 percent at the line. He missed seven games with a hamstring strain and exited his most recent outing due to quadriceps cramps.
An Eastern Conference scout told ESPN the sophomore-sized guard is already his top prospect, adding that Peterson checks every modern point-guard box: “create advantages, make plays and score when the defense breaks down.” Some coaches question whether he can run an NBA offense full-time, but another Eastern scout dismissed that concern.
Dybantsa Viewed as High-Upside Forward
Dybantsa, a 6’9″ forward, is averaging 21.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals through 11 games on 55.6/32.1/74.3 shooting splits. While evaluators praise his size and ability to attack off the dribble, outside shooting consistency remains a concern.
One Western Conference scout keeps Dybantsa at No. 1 on his personal board. “The positional versatility and size are unique,” the scout said, highlighting the freshman’s mid-post scoring, one-handed passing and ground-covering defensive strides.
Boozer’s Production vs. Perceived Ceiling
Boozer entered college with four Florida state championships and two FIBA gold medals—and MVP honors—in his résumé. The 6’10″ son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer is averaging 23.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 steals on 56.3/34.8/78.9 shooting for Duke’s 11-0 start, making him an early favorite for national Player of the Year.
Despite that production, scouts still debate his upside. “Can you give him the ball late in an NBA game and trust he’ll get a bucket or create?” an Eastern Conference scout asked, while noting Peterson and Dybantsa might carry franchise-player potential on championship teams.
With all three viewed as legitimate top overall candidates, the board remains fluid as the season progresses.
Source: Hoops Rumors
