Darryn Peterson, a standout guard for the Kansas Jayhawks, and AJ Dybantsa, a talented wing for BYU, are both projected to be top picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. Peterson, a five-star early enrollee was No. Peterson is currently the favorite to go No. 1 overall in ESPN’s latest mock draft. Both of these athletes are adamant that their first priority is still helping their college teams win, not worrying about possible NBA careers.
Peterson, who is the reigning Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year and a unanimous selection to the All-Big 12 preseason first team, has big things in mind. He’s hell bent on getting the Jayhawks back on top this season. He discusses leadership as a big part of his responsibility on the club’s young roster.
“I lead by example and I’m trying to do all the right stuff, both on and off the court,” Peterson stated.
Dybantsa gets the same feeling when talking about the draft. And he shares their excitement too, for all their potential futures. That being said, he’s obviously adamant that his focus will be on BYU and what they do this season.
I wouldn’t say that he’s sweating [going No. 1] all that much. I think he’s just really trying to prove himself as a college player and he’s probably got the same goal as me: to go out and win, Dybantsa remarked about Peterson.
Both players have taken different approaches as to how to handle the pressures of being elite-level recruits. Peterson’s solution to draft chatter—just ignore it—was the best advice I’ve heard.
I get through it by not even looking at it,” he said.
Dybantsa has tried not to focus too much on his future as a likely No. 1 pick. Rather, he uses it as motivation to continue to polish his own game and make his team better.
The competition in college basketball remains intense, with teams like Kansas and BYU striving for prominence. Dybantsa reflects on his recent performances against some of the toughest competition. What becomes very clear to him is just how much he is learning through these negative experiences.
I really enjoyed the Big 12 level, but I came back and did a lot of soul searching. Returning to the museum, I felt much more comfortable walking into the exhibition. Being able to compete out there taught me how away crowds get down during the games. I never had a taste of like a crazy away game, so that was nice,” Dybantsa recalled.
More importantly, coaches like Johnny Dawkins understand the potential of these young athletes. Dawkins, who recently led UCF in a challenging exhibition loss to Duke, spoke highly of Dybantsa, stating, “He’s terrific. He’s a great basketball player and he still has room to grow.”
Peterson and Dybantsa are two fierce competitors hell-bent on making their mark alongside their teammates with an unwavering focus on winning. With their remarkable skills and vision, leadership, and character on and off the field, they are poised for successful careers ahead in the game.
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