NBA Exec Calls AJ Dybantsa 'Easy No. 1' Pick over Darryn Peterson in 2026 Draft

Multiple NBA executives and talent evaluators reportedly view BYU forward AJ Dybantsa as the player most worthy of going No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA draft, ahead of Kansas guard Darryn Peterson.

An anonymous Eastern Conference exec threw their support behind Dybantsa as the top selection, telling ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, "I think Dybantsa is the easy No. 1. He's special. There's just so much for him to still grow into."

Another Eastern Conference executive added, "He's the easiest one to see how he gets to No. 1, but the game doesn't come quite as easy to him like it does to some of the truly great players."

A Western Conference scout also placed Dybantsa ahead of Peterson before noting that things could change between now and the draft, saying, "[Dybantsa] is probably going to be our No. 1. But it isn't settled."

The 6'9" Dybantsa has enjoyed a dominant freshman season, averaging 25.3 points per game on 51.3 percent shooting to go along with 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 three-pointers made and 1.1 steals.

He has been the driving force behind a Cougars team that is 23-11 and likely to make the NCAA tournament.

Although BYU fell to Houston in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament on Thursday, Dybantsa had a historic tourney, scoring 40 points in a first-round win over Kansas State, which broke Kevin Durant's record for most points scored by a freshman in a Big 12 tournament game.

Dybantsa Sets Big 12 Record 🔥

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Peterson, who is Dybantsa's strongest competition to go No. 1 overall, is having an excellent freshman year in his own right.

Playing for the No. 14 team in the nation, Peterson is averaging 20.0 points per game on 44.8 percent shooting, plus 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 three-pointers made, 1.7 assists and 1.4 steals.

However, Peterson has dealt with nagging injuries all season long, limiting him to 21 games. By comparison, Dybantsa has not missed any games.

An Eastern Conference scout told Bontemps and Windhorst that Peterson is "clearly" the No. 1 player in the draft "talent-wise," but it is fair to wonder if Dybantsa's durability will factor heavily into the decision-making process for NBA teams.

The NCAA tournament could prove to be the deciding factor, as both Dybantsa and Peterson figure to have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the biggest stage in college basketball.