AJ Dybantsa was thought to be the leader in the race for the 2026 NBA Draft No. 1 pick, but the latest performance from Darryn Peterson has fans wondering who actually deserves the status between the two.
Thanks to Peterson’s all-around offensive game, size, scoring versatility, and playmaking potential, he has emerged as the top pick on several mock draft boards. Add to that his latest performance in the 80-62 Kansas win against Baylor. The Jayhawks guard shot incredibly from the field, converting 11 of 13 shots, including 2-4 from the 3-point line and 2-4 from the charity stripe, for 26 points to go along with two rebounds, three assists and one steal.
After the latest performance, fans made the case for Peterson to be top draft pick over Dybantsa and even Duke’s Cameron Boozer.
“Darryn Peterson is ELITE. Will most likely go first overall, and will be worth it,” one fan wrote.
“The game of basketball looks too easy for Darryn Peterson. I mean this is just an unreal shooting efficiency lol. I really do not envy what NBA GM has the #1 pick. Idk how you can pass on this,” another fan commented.
“Darryn Peterson 26 points on 11/13 from the field…yea he’s the number 1 pick. Adam Silver owes the Hawks. That Pelicans pick better be first overall,” one fan added.
“Someone who has clearly never watched the true #1 Darryn Peterson play basketball 😭😭” one fan wrote.
“I will continue to say this about the NBA Draft class all the way until draft day,” one fan reacted. “Darryn Peterson is the best player in this class. He makes scoring look so easy he is probably the most NBA ready player in the draft class as well. His game will translate very well in the NBA.”
Darryn Peterson In Sync With Fellow Kansas Teammate During Baylor Win
After putting on a show, Darryn Peterson took to the media to highlight the combined effort of him and fellow Kansas teammate Flory Bidunga. The duo went 22 of 27 from the field for 49 points, which really put the screws on Baylor. After the game, Peterson revealed that playing with Bidunga was the reason he came to Kansas in the first place.
“I came to Kansas to play with him,” Peterson said, while pointing to Bidunga.
During an earlier interview, Peterson acknowledged that he would like to throw lobs to Bidunga.
Bidunga had 23 points, five blocks, and 11 rebounds against Baylor. The duo will hope to continue this tandem when they face the Colorado Buffaloes on the road next.
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