NBA GM Reportedly Says Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer Not Top 3 in 2026 Draft Class

While Kansas' Darryn Peterson and Duke's Cameron Boozer were undeniably two of the best players in college basketball this year, one general manager reportedly doesn't view them as top-three picks.

ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported on NBA Today on Monday that a GM said that BYU's AJ Dybantsa, North Carolina's Caleb Wilson and Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr. are the current top-three players in this year's draft class.

"Peterson might be going back down a little bit," Spears added.

While Peterson has navigated some setbacks this year, mainly cramps that have kept him off the court throughout the season, he's looked NBA-ready when active, putting up 20.2 points per game.

Boozer, the son of NBA icon Carlos Boozer, has been incredible for the Blue Devils, posting 22.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game to win ACC Player of the Year. The star freshman isn't done submitting his draft case just yet, as Duke is still alive in the big dance.

While both Peterson and Boozer have strong arguments to be top-three picks, Dybantsa has perhaps established himself as the best player in this year's draft class.

The star freshman led the nation in scoring, averaging 25.5 points per game, along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. While BYU lost in the first round to Texas, Dybantsa went out with a bang, collecting 35 points and 10 boards in the loss.

Wilson, who unfortunately had his season cut short in February, put up 19.8 points and 9.4 boards per game across 24 contests. Acuff, the SEC Player of the Year, recorded 23.3 points and 6.5 assists per game this year.

In the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report, Dybantsa is projected to go first overall, with Peterson going second, Boozer going third, Wilson going fourth and Acuff going seventh.