Is the BYU Hoops Star the Clear Top Pick in the 2026 NBA Draft?
The 2026 NBA Draft class is one of the more talented coalitions of players the league has seen in a long time. There is a clear top six in the 2026 NBA Draft. From potential stars to role players that should be ready to contribute from the jump, this draft should have something for every team in the league. Even with how balanced the draft may end up being, it will be star-power-heavy. BYU star forward AJ Dybansta is considered the clear favorite to be the first overall selection. Although the current frontrunner, are we sure the ex-Cougar is the clear top choice in the 2026 NBA Draft?
Here is what we know about the superstar freshman from BYU: he can flat-out score. Whether driving in the paint and finishing at the rim, or pulling up for a smooth jumper over his defender, the lengthy wing puts the ball in the net. The dominant forward averaged 25.5 points a night, marking the highest scoring season for a freshman since the future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant's time at UT. The Boston native is highly sought after not only because of his shot creation, but the future NBA talent possesses all the physical attributes, six-foot-nine, strong and wide, and high potential from a playmaking standpoint.
There are some small concerns with the basketball standout. His overall defensive impact has been questioned as he finished his only collegiate season with low steal and block rates. Scouts also have concerns with three-point shooting, as he was not a high-volume shooter from deep during his time in Utah. The positive is that these are areas that can be reshaped and fixed. Drawing professional comparisons to Jaylen Brown, it's easy to see why, on paper and film, Dybansta is the favorite to be the top choice. Nothing is as it seems, and before executives and general managers lock in the BYU prospect at the top of their draft boards, they should consider one more college hoops star. That star is Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson.
There is no question that the time the standout freshman spent in Lawrence was turbulent. After missing time due to a bizarre cramping issue and other injuries, many have questioned the freshman's drive. Even with his competitive spirit in limbo according to scouts, his skill level was never in doubt. Forgot worn-out stereotypes that have no basis; organizations need to look at the pure basketball talent this scorer possesses.
Peterson's off-ball scoring is elite. The six-foot-six guard was one of the most efficient spot-up shooters in the nation this past season. At Kansas, he shot 47% on handoff threes and just under 40% on moving threes. A skill highly touted in today's NBA. Not only is he a great spot-up shooter, but he can create for himself as well. The 20-point-a-night scorer is just as efficient with the ball in his hand. Generating comparisons to Anthony Edwards, the Jayhawk can create offense in isolation. His change of speed, athleticism, and elevation make it easy for him to get his spots. A perfect recipe for a late-clock threat. All things that should transfer quickly to the NBA level.
Dybansta is the current frontrunner to be the first overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft and rightfully so. A six-foot-nine athletic freak, the BYU product has the skillset and physical attributes to be a star. As executives fall in love, taking a deeper look at other prospects could go a long way toward helping them. As an efficient off-ball shooter and overall excellent bucket getter, Peterson has a true case over his counterpart from the Big 12. His skills are arguably a better immediate fit for an NBA team, as he immediately helps floor spacing and is a handful in isolation. While Dybansta on paper is the clear top choice, maybe it is time to reconsider.
