Kansas Jayhawks star Darryn Peterson is a projected top pick in this year’s NBA draft. While he is heavily favored as the second-best prospect, some experts and analysts believe he can overtake AJ Dybantsa to go No. 1 overall.
On Thursday, Peterson made an appearance on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” The 2026 Big Ten All-Freshman Team player did not shy away from talking about his strengths and why he deserves to be the first overall pick in the draft.
“I feel like I’m the best,” Peterson said. “Any team I’m placed on, I can go in and make an instant impact on both sides of the ball. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make my team better and help my team win.
“Just two hoopers competing and chasing the dream, I think. But, obviously, when we step on the court, we’re trying to go at each other. That’s what we always do. I’ve been blessed to come out on top every time.”
Darryn Peterson joined the Kansas Jayhawks as a five-star recruit in the class of 2025. In 23 games, he averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. However, there has been a lot of debate after he was sidelined for 11 games and played less than 25 minutes in 16 appearances.
Apart from this, Peterson also suffered from multiple injuries, raising concerns about his longevity and health. He faced AJ Dybantsa when Kansas took on the BYU Cougars in January.
The Kansas point guard came out on top, scoring 18 points with three rebounds and one assist. On the other hand, AJ Dybantsa had 17 points with one rebound and one assist in the game, which ended with a 90-82 scoreline in favor of the Jayhawks.
Darryn Peterson gets honest about comparisons with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Darryn Peterson’s skill set has also been compared to four-time NBA All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
During his interview on “SportsCenter,” he was asked to share his thoughts on this comparison. The Kansas Jayhawks star said that he agrees with the comparison and highlighted the similar strengths they possess.
“I think two big guards,” Peterson said. “Two guards that use their body to score at will. I would say unguardable.”
The 2026 NBA Draft takes place on June 23 and 24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
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