BYU's AJ Dybantsa Passes Darryn Peterson as Favorite for 2026 NBA Draft's No. 1 Pick

Duke's Cameron Boozer also in the mix as top prospect for upcoming NBA Draft

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:29pm

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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa has surpassed Kansas' Darryn Peterson as the favorite to be selected with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, according to the latest odds. Duke's Cameron Boozer is also considered a top prospect for the upcoming draft, which is expected to feature several potential franchise-altering players at the top.

Why it matters

The race for the 2026 NBA Draft's No. 1 overall pick is heating up, with BYU's AJ Dybantsa emerging as the new favorite over Kansas' Darryn Peterson. This shift in draft odds could have major implications for which team lands a potential franchise-changing player in the upcoming draft.

The details

Dybantsa, who is currently leading the nation in scoring at 25.3 points per game, has seen his draft stock rise throughout the season. He recently passed Peterson, who opened as the heavy favorite at -325 odds, and now sits at +100 to be taken first overall. Duke's Cameron Boozer is the only other player with odds better than 150-1 to go No. 1.

  • BYU lost 73-66 to No. 5 Houston in the Big 12 tournament on Thursday night.
  • Both Dybantsa's BYU team and Peterson's Kansas Jayhawks are safely in the NCAA tournament field.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A star forward for BYU who is now the favorite to be selected with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Darryn Peterson

A standout player for Kansas who was previously the favorite to be taken No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Cameron Boozer

A top prospect from Duke who is also in the mix to be selected with the first pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Dybantsa might not leave BYU after this season since his mom wants him to graduate.”

— AJ Dybantsa

What’s next

Both Dybantsa and Peterson will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a national audience during the upcoming NCAA tournament, which could further impact their draft stock.

The takeaway

The race for the 2026 NBA Draft's top pick is shaping up to be a three-player battle between BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Kansas' Darryn Peterson, and Duke's Cameron Boozer. Dybantsa's recent rise to become the favorite could have major implications for which team lands a potential franchise-changing player in the upcoming draft.