The 2026 NBA Draft class has the potential of becoming the best in recent memory. Every conference has its spread of lottery-level talent, and the Big 12 is no different.
The nation’s two most sought-after prospects throughout the season have come from the Big 12 in Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and BYU’s AJ Dybantsa. Both players were No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in 247Sports’ top recruits in the 2025 class, and both have had their share of highs and lows.
Earlier today, in a much-anticipated Mock Draft by ESPN, Jeremy Woo labeled Peterson at the projected No. 1 spot, while adding, “league sources broadly view this as a matter of which team ultimately makes the pick.”
Peterson’s case for the top spot
Despite the obvious injury concerns that have kept Peterson sidelined for much too long, the former Prolific Prep prospect is still being labeled as 2026’s “most gifted offensive player,” and Kansas’ 104-85 win over Kansas State proves so.
Against the Wildcats, Peterson marked an impressive 27 points on a 10-15 mark from the field, adding nicely to his 19.9 points per game average on a 45.7% field goal rate he compiled throughout the season.
Peterson’s season high sits at a strong 32 points in Kansas’ 104-100 come-from-behind win over TCU
Combine the aforementioned stats with the fact that Peterson only plays an average of 28 minutes per game and you can see why scouts clamor over the guard.
Unlocked potential that could secure Peterson as the No. 1 pick
“There remains optimism around his playmaking and ability to operate as a lead ball handler,” quotes Woo in his lengthy piece.
On the season, Peterson only averages 1.8 assists per game, an at-best unremarkable stat. Yet it is worth noting that through many games this season, Peterson has found himself trapped in double teams, across the court, oftentimes forcing the freshman to make a relay pass to create what earlier in the season, head coach Bill Self called a “hockey assist.”
Up until draft night, of course, this will all be speculation that can flip on a dime. There is the all-important pre-draft process that will reveal the potential long-term effects of Peterson’s health, but for now, KU may just have their 3rd ever No.1 pick.
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