The Darryn Peterson saga has been one that college basketball has been watching all season very closely, long, well, probably except for AJ Dybantsa. The BYU freshman has been projected to go No. 2 in the 2026 NBA Draft after Peterson this upcoming summer, but his performances as of late could easily change that.
The debate on whether or not Peterson's availability can truly be trusted is one that has raged on for weeks now, but Dybantsa's performance against No. 6 Iowa State is one that doesn't put Peterson's situation in a good light. Not only did Dybantsa help lead BYU past Iowa State, but the star freshman played the full 40 minutes.
After the game, Dybantsa made it known that whatever is needed of his from his coach and his team, he is going to make sure he does it.
"It's not my decision, coach thought you know, I was ready for it," Dybantsa said after the Iowa State win. "If I need to play 40 minutes to win, I'll play 40 minutes to win."
BYU’s AJ Dybantsa is ready to do whatever it takes to win. pic.twitter.com/jgEOyD8JQe
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 22, 2026
Dybantsa is proving with each outing that he is going to be on that court for however long his team needs him to be out there, which is something Peterson hasn't been able to do. The cramping problem, along with the other injury issues, has plagued Peterson's season and it could cost him the No. 1 overall pick.
With the way Dybantsa has played, he could easily be playing into the No. 1 overall pick spot over Peterson, but the Kansas freshman still has time to change that.
A strong finish to the season for Darryn Peterson could secure his NBA Draft spot
Since the beginning of the college basketball season, it has been unanimous that Peterson would go No. 1 overall in the next NBA Draft, but his issues this season seem to be affecting that. However, there is still time for Peterson to turn it around for NBA GMs to see.
There are a handful of regular-season games left for Kansas, including a matchup against No. 5 Houston on Monday night in Allen Fieldhouse. If Peterson can finish the season strong, playing solid minutes and continuing to lead the team in scoring, he could secure that No. 1 overall draft pick.
Being able to compete in March will be huge for Peterson, but heneeds to stay healthy and focus on staying in the game.