NBA Teams Reportedly 'Generally Torn on' Dybantsa, Peterson or Boozer as No. 1 Pick in 2026 Draft

As the 2025-26 college basketball season nears its climax, there reportedly still isn't a clear-cut favorite for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

According to The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, NBA teams "are generally torn on who should go No. 1," with BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and Duke big man Cameron Boozer "all in contention." Vecenie added that Dybantsa and Peterson "are the two most talked about options."

In his latest mock draft, B/R's Jonathan Wasserman predicted that the Sacramento Kings will use the No. 1 overall pick to select Peterson, stating, "Scouts remain enamored with his movement and ability to get to spots, along with his special shotmaking skill from three levels."

However, NBA insider Marc Stein spoke to a top talent evaluator whose team will be in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick, and they declared, "I wouldn't take Peterson with the first pick. Too many question marks." Vecenie even predicted in his mock draft that the Kings would select Dybantsa first overall, while Peterson fell to the Washington Wizards with the No. 2 pick.

Peterson's talent is undeniable, but his injury woes throughout his freshman year with the Jayhawks have dimmed his shine. Since he has yet to prove himself as the definitive No. 1 pick in this year's draft, the door has been left open for other prospects to enter the mix. Vecenie added that he's "talked to a few scouts who see [UNC forward Caleb] Wilson in the top group of prospects with Peterson, Dybantsa and Boozer."

There's still a ton of time for these prospects to separate themselves from the pack, as the conference tournaments followed by March Madness will be the ultimate proving ground for the future NBA stars.