The NBA Draft is nearly a week away, and teams are working to decide who they will select, while prospects are working to raise their draft stock. The Washington Wizards have the first pick after winning the NBA Draft lottery, and while it seems like BYU star AJ Dybantsa is going No. 1 overall, Kansas star Darryn Peterson isn't giving up that easily.
Before the 2025-2026 college basketball season, Peterson seemed to be the bona fide No. 1 pick, but as injury and cramping issues plagued his season, Dybantsa moved in as the potential top pick. Peterson had a good showing at the NBA Combine and even met with some teams, but his latest decision when it comes to the draft could be his biggest gamble yet.
NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that Dybantsa has conducted formal visits with both the Wizards and the Utah Jazz, who have the No. 2 pick in the draft. Peterson, on the other hand, has only had a formal visit with the Wizards and is not planning to grant any meetings with other teams.
Developments ahead of the June 23-24 NBA draft: BYU's AJ Dybantsa has conducted formal visits with both the Washington Wizards (No. 1) and Utah Jazz (No. 2) while Kansas' Darryn Peterson only visited the Wizards and does not plan to grant anyone else a meeting, sources tell me…
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2026
Both players could easily be the No. 1 pick, but this move by Peterson may not be his best one, as other lottery teams have taken note of his decision to only give Washington a visit. This could either make or break the Kansas star, and maybe even drop him further down in the NBA Draft.
Darryn Peterson is taking a note out of Kobe Bryant's book but it may not work out in his favor
NBA legend Kobe Bryant was a basketball star coming out of high school, and back then, when it was allowed, forwent playing college basketball and entered the 1996 NBA Draft. Bryant did something similar to what Peterson is doing now, only wanting to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers worked a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, who selected Bryant with the No. 13 overall pick, but a pre-arranged trade got him to L.A., where he wanted to be.
Peterson wants to be selected No. 1 overall, every player does, but unfortunately, the way things took place during his freshman season, and his lack of availability, cast doubt in the minds of NBA teams. Now, could Peterson still go No. 1? Sure, but he also has backed himself into a corner with this one.
While it worked out for Bryant, who went on to be one of the best NBA players in league history, Peterson is no Kobe Bryant, and this could backfire big time for the Kansas star.
The Wizards could feel as though Peterson is backing them into a corner by only visiting with them, leading to picking Dybantsa in the end. If no other teams feel he is interested, this could be one of the worst gambles Peterson has ever made, and his draft pick could slip.
Now, Peterson's talent is clear; he is a playmaker and would immediately be a great addition to any team that drafted him, but the drama that follows could be something teams don't want to deal with. Realistically, Peterson has a chance to drop a couple of spots, potentially to No. 4 with the Chicago Bulls, maybe even No. 5 to the L.A. Clippers, but probably not much lower than that.
The answer to Peterson's gamble will come on the first night of the NBA Draft on June 23, where the Wizards will make their selection between Dybantsa and Peterson. Who will go No. 1 overall? That remains to be seen.
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