BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa is considered to be the projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but so is his college basketball rival. For over a year now, Dybantsa has constantly been compared to Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson. While the two standouts don’t have any malice with each other outside of the court, there was tension during their lone matchup in the 2025-26 campaign.
On Monday, June 22, Dybantsa had a pre-draft interview and was asked who he thinks would win a 1-on-1 tournament among all the 2026 draftees. It was refreshing to see Dybantsa select Peterson and go on to give the spitfire scorer his flowers for his immense skill set.
“ Probably Darryn, Darryn Peterson… Super skilled. He’s probably one of the higher isolation bucket scorers in college basketball last season,” Dybantsa shared. (0:03)
– AJ Dybantsa, June 22, 2026
Outside of Dybantsa and Peterson, Duke Blue Devils swingman Cameron Boozer rounds out the three as another potential first pick in the draft. Still, the top selection will likely go to either Dybantsa or Peterson. However, there are rumblings that the Washington Wizards, who hold the first pick, will select Peterson instead, with Dybantsa sliding down to the second pick by the Utah Jazz, a city that he has already played for.
AJ Dybantsa claims that the 2026 NBA Draft class will go down as one of the greatest ever
During his pre-draft interview, AJ Dybantsa was also asked whether he thinks the 2026 NBA Draft class will go down as one of the best in history. After all, several onlookers acknowledge how stacked the class is, even beyond the likes of Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer.
Dybantsa feels like his class could go down as one of the best because of the “hidden gems.”
“ I mean, not just all three of us. I mean, I think there’s some hidden gems, you know, far down the road. But I think like when we see ourselves in 15 years, I think a lot of us will still be in the league, and I think it’ll be one of the best draft classes,” Dybantsa said.
Also Read:
AJ Dybantsa Makes Feelings Clear After Not Singling Wizards in Pre-Draft Meets Like Darryn Peterson
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