AJ Dybantsa Topped as No.1 Pick in 2026 NBA Draft, Darryn Peterson Projected Second

Freshman AJ Dybantsa of BYU surged to the top of the 2026 NBA Draft board after a 43‑point performance that broke a 48‑year freshman scoring record. Scouts across ESPN, CBS Sports and other outlets listed him as the No. 1 prospect, projecting him to join the Washington Wizards, who hold the lottery’s first pick.

Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is the leading candidate for the second overall selection, expected to go to the Utah Jazz. He averaged 20.2 points per game and drew praise for his shooting and pick‑and‑roll ability. Analysts compared his upside to Kobe Bryant and his floor to Bradley Beal, while noting a recent creatine‑related cramping issue that is under medical review.