Scouts Still Favor AJ Dybantsa for No. 1 Pick; Caleb Wilson Maintains Top-Five Projection
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Despite BYU’s first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, guard AJ Dybantsa strengthened his case as the potential first overall selection by erupting for 35 points in the loss to Texas, league sources told The Stein Line.
Multiple evaluators already had the BYU standout atop their boards entering the week, according to the report. Health concerns surrounding Kansas prospect Darryn Peterson and long-term athletic questions for Duke forward Cameron Boozer have not altered Dybantsa’s positioning, although scouts do not expect any member of that trio to fall far in the order. Some front-office personnel believe Boozer could be the preferred choice for specific roster needs.
Caleb Wilson Rises Despite Injury
North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson, whose season ended prematurely because of injury, is also climbing draft boards. Comparisons to former All-Stars Chris Bosh and Evan Mobley continue to surface, and executives consistently slot Wilson within the top five. “I don’t think anyone is taking Wilson No. 1 overall,” one general manager said, “but I think every team is going to have him above one of those other three guys.”
Depth Highlighted in Guard-Heavy Class
Scouts describe the upcoming draft as unusually deep, particularly in the backcourt. Some talent evaluators consider this group the strongest collection of guards in several years, projecting lottery-grade players to be available into the 20s. “There’s just too much opportunity,” one scout noted regarding the top pick. “You could trade down and still get an All-Star.”
With several teams weighing fit against upside, executives suggest this draft may be remembered as much for its overall depth as for the battle at the very top of the board.
Source: Hoops Wire
