With the NCAA tournament entering its decisive stages, NBA front offices are sharpening their reports on prospects under pressure. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, once viewed as the near-certain No. 1 pick, is no longer a lock for the top three, according to several league insiders.
Peterson’s Stock in Flux
Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports writes that the 6-5 sophomore struggled with inconsistency, limited perimeter help, and a nagging hamstring injury that lingered most of the season. “I wasn’t really myself until the end of the year,” Peterson told O’Connor. Despite the setbacks, evaluators still value his three-point shooting, ability to draw fouls, and instinctive defensive playmaking. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic projects the scoring guard anywhere from first to fifth overall, questioning Kansas coach Bill Self’s decision to deploy Peterson primarily off the ball.
Dybantsa Making a Push for No. 1
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa has emerged as the most consistent contender for the top spot, ESPN’s Jeremy Woo reports. The 6-9 freshman improved his passing vision and aggression as the season progressed, easing earlier concerns about ball-handling and defense. Scouts view him as a versatile scorer with significant upside.
Mullins Weighing Return to UConn
UConn guard Braylon Mullins missed the start of the campaign with an ankle injury and never fully found his rhythm. Woo notes that teams are debating whether the sophomore is merely a good shooter or an elite one. Name-image-likeness earnings and a potentially weaker 2027 draft class could persuade Mullins to spend another year in Storrs to solidify his standing.
Graves Impresses on Defense
Santa Clara’s Allen Graves was not widely forecast as a 2026 first-rounder, yet his passing and defensive versatility have caught the attention of multiple clubs, Woo adds. The 6-9 forward may benefit from returning to school to refine his jump shot, but a strong pre-draft process could propel him into this year’s draft.
As March Madness continues, teams will use tournament performances and upcoming workouts to finalize their boards before June’s draft.
Source: Hoops Rumors
