Darryn Peterson is in contention to be the No. 1 pick of the 2026 NBA Draft. He is competing against AJ Dybantsa for the coveted spot.
Peterson was the favorite to be the top pick a few months ago, but injuries and fitness issues forced him to miss time, and his draft stock fell.
During an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter, the former Kansas Jayhawks guard was asked why he believes he deserves to be the No. 1 pick in the draft.
“I feel like I’m the best. Any team I feel like I’m placed on, I can go in and make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball,” he said. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make my team better and help my team win.”
Although Peterson has a strong case to be the No. 1 pick, it isn’t going to be easy, as Dybantsa has made a good impression at the NBA Draft Combine.
During his SportsCenter appearance, Peterson was also asked about his relationship with Dybantsa. They have played together for Team USA and have had a memorable rivalry while playing college basketball.
“Just two hoopers competing and chasing the dream, I think. But obviously, when we step on the floor, we try to go at each other. So, that’s what we always do, and I’ve been blessed to come out on top every time,” Peterson said.
The former Kansas star also had a great time at the Combine. He shot 19 of 25 and was tied for second position alongside four other players.
CBB Analyst on Darryn Peterson’s Cramping Issue
Peterson struggled with his fitness last season. He had to be removed from many games due to cramping issues, and he often didn’t join his team on the floor during the second half of games.
During a recent interview with ESPN, Peterson said high doses of creatine were a major factor. While Gary Parrish believed his story, he wasn’t convinced that cramping alone was keeping him out of games.
“I believe all that’s true,” he said. “None of this is ever going to explain why you sat on a bench in the second half of games, looking like you have no interest in trying to get back to the game. We’ve all seen what cramping looks like in basketball.”
The regular absence from games hurt Peterson’s claim to be the No. 1 draft pick, but things are looking better for him now.
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