Peterson, Dybantsa Say NBA Draft Talk Can Wait
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Projected 2026 NBA lottery headliners Darryn Peterson of Kansas and AJ Dybantsa of BYU insisted Wednesday that draft projections are secondary to winning games this season.
During Big 12 media day, the 6-foot-6 Peterson — a five-star freshman and the No. 1 prospect in ESPN’s latest mock draft — said speculation about the top pick is “not even” on his radar. “I’m just going to go out and play and win games,” he told reporters.
Peterson entered the day as the league’s Preseason Freshman of the Year and a unanimous choice for the All-Big 12 preseason first team.
Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 wing projected to go second, echoed Peterson’s stance. “I don’t think he is too worried about it,” Dybantsa said of his conference rival. “He’s probably got the same goal as me: to go out and win.”
The BYU sophomore’s profile rose further after he poured in 30 points on 10-for-19 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds and collected three steals in Saturday’s 90-89 exhibition loss at Nebraska. He called the road environment a valuable learning experience for the season ahead.
Another prospect draws praise
Big 12 coaches also discussed UCF freshman Cameron Boozer, a two-time national Gatorade Player of the Year and the No. 3 prospect in ESPN’s projection. Head coach Johnny Dawkins lauded Boozer’s 33-point performance (4-for-7 from three-point range) in Tuesday’s 96-71 exhibition win at Duke.
“His competitive spirit stood out,” Dawkins said. “Great players raise their level in big moments, and I saw him do that.”
With Peterson, Dybantsa and Boozer all set to debut in the conference this fall, the Big 12 could produce the first three selections in next summer’s draft — a scenario the prospects themselves say they will worry about later.
Source: ESPN
