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Way-too-early 2026 NBA Mock Draft is incredible news for Kansas

According to a way-too-early 2026 NBA Mock Draft, Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks might see a return to glory after next season.
BySam Fariss|
Huntington Prep guard Darryn Peterson takes the ball up the court during the first half at Canton Memorial Field House, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.
Huntington Prep guard Darryn Peterson takes the ball up the court during the first half at Canton Memorial Field House, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. | Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK

The 2025 NBA Draft was a swing and a miss for the Kansas Jayhawks. Zero players were drafted and, so far, just one signed a two-way contract with an NBA franchise.

However, in ESPN's way-too-early 2026 NBA Mock Draft, things are looking up for Kansas and head coach Bill Self, with one young Jayhawk going as early as possible in the first round.

Darryn Peterson, who is set to start his freshman year this fall, was projected to be taken first overall in 2026, likely by the Washington Wizards (depending on how the Draft Lottery unfolds).

There is no denying that Peterson is going to be the top first-year player on Kansas's roster, the lone five-star prospect in Self's recruiting class of 2025. However, to already have him projected as the No. 1 overall pick, going over AJ Dynbantsa (the No. 1 recruit in the class), is a great sign for the Jayhawks.

Kansas men's basketball 2025 recruiting class

  • Darryn Peterson, five-star shooting guard
  • Samis Calderon, three-star power forward
  • Kohl Rosario, three-star shooting guard
  • Corbin Allen, three-star shooting guard
  • Paul Mbiya, unrated center (Congo/France)
  • Tre White, four-star transfer small forward (Illinois)
  • Jayden Dawson, four-star transfer point guard (Loyola-Chicago)
  • Melvin Council, four-star transfer shooting guard (St. Bonaventure)

Beyond Peterson, there is just one other Jayhawk in ESPN's Mock Draft: sophomore center Flory Bidunga, who played in 34 games last season, averaging 5.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.

The rest of the Jayhawk lineup is expected to either return to Lawrence for a second season under Self or fall to free agency, just like Hunter Dickinson and the rest of the Kansas draft class did this year.

However, going from zero players drafted in 2025 to the No. 1 overall pick in 2026 is undeniably a step in the right direction for Self's program.

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