NBA Executives Prefer BYU's AJ Dybantsa Over Kansas' Darryn Peterson for No. 1 Draft Pick

Insider Jeff Goodman says most NBA teams would take Dybantsa over the injury-plagued Peterson as the top selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NBA draft analysts and executives overwhelmingly favor BYU standout AJ Dybantsa over Kansas star Darryn Peterson as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, according to insider Jeff Goodman. Dybantsa has outperformed Peterson this season, and NBA teams have growing concerns about Peterson's durability due to his injury history.

Why it matters

The battle between Dybantsa and Peterson to be the top selection in the NBA Draft is one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2026 draft. As two of the most talented prospects, their draft position will have major implications for the franchises that select them and the future of the NBA.

The details

Dybantsa, a junior at BYU, has been dominant this season, averaging 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He recently set the record for most points scored in a single Big 12 Tournament game. In contrast, Peterson, a freshman at Kansas, has struggled with injuries throughout the year, leading NBA executives to question his durability at the next level.

  • On March 14, 2026, BYU lost 73-66 to Houston in the Big 12 Tournament, despite Dybantsa scoring 26 points.
  • Goodman revealed the NBA executives' preference for Dybantsa over Peterson during a segment on the 'Field of 68' podcast on March 14, 2026.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A junior standout at BYU who has emerged as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft, averaging 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season.

Darryn Peterson

A freshman at Kansas who has been beset by injuries throughout the season, leading to concerns about his durability at the next level.

Jeff Goodman

A basketball analyst who revealed that NBA executives overwhelmingly prefer Dybantsa over Peterson as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Almost every NBA guy I've talked to this week has now said they'll take AJ Dybantsa over Darryn Peterson with the No. 1 pick”

— Jeff Goodman, Analyst (The Field of 68)

“This is not the Darryn Peterson that you saw in AU ball, this is not the same player. I've seen Darryn play a couple of times, I've seen AJ play a couple of times, there's tons of NBA guys here. G.M's, executives, scouts. First, this isn't the Peterson from the AU circuit, even though he's played 6-7 games with no injury issues.”

— Jeff Goodman, Analyst (The Field of 68)

What’s next

The 2026 NBA Draft order will be determined in the draft lottery, which will take place in May 2026. The team that secures the No. 1 overall pick will then decide whether to select Dybantsa or Peterson.

The takeaway

The battle between Dybantsa and Peterson for the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft highlights the importance of player health and durability in the eyes of NBA executives. While both players are highly talented, Dybantsa's consistent production and Peterson's injury history have given Dybantsa the edge in the minds of many NBA decision-makers.