AJ Dybantsa Surges Past Darryn Peterson for 2026 No 1

Multiple NBA executives and scouts lean toward BYU forward AJ Dybantsa as the most worthy pick for No. 1 in the 2026 draft, edging out Kansas guard Darryn Peterson. One Eastern Conference exec told ESPN, "I think Dybantsa is the easy No. 1. He's special." Dybantsa has been dominant at 6'9", averaging 25.3 points on 51.3 percent shooting and has not missed a game, while Peterson averages 20.0 points but has been limited by nagging injuries. Merlin sees the race as talent versus reliability. Scouts admit Peterson is "clearly" elite talent, but Dybantsa’s size, efficiency and availability make him an easier projection. The NCAA tournament will be the proving ground where health, growth and big-game feel could flip the script.