Kansas guard Darryn Peterson has emerged as the consensus top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft, leading a class headlined by three potential franchise players, according to a comprehensive mock draft analysis.
Peterson, BYU wing AJ Dybantsa, and Duke forward Cameron Boozer comprise an elite tier of prospects compared to Cooper Flagg’s standing in the 2025 draft. Scouts expect robust tanking efforts as NBA teams position themselves for these three players.
“Peterson remains the 2026 draft prospect I hear the most excitement about from scouts,” draft analyst Sam Vecenie wrote.
The 6-foot-5 guard possesses exceptional ballhandling and pull-up scoring ability combined with elite playmaking vision. He measured 6-foot-5.5 in shoes with a 6-foot-10.5 wingspan at Adidas Eurocamp in 2024. Peterson’s ability to read secondary and tertiary defensive levels distinguishes him from other top prospects.
“I haven’t been around anybody that’s more prepared to be a college freshman that can carry the load more so than what Darryn can,” Kansas coach Bill Self said.
Projections suggest Peterson could average 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists during his freshman campaign. His defensive prowess stems from his size, length, and aggressive approach on that end.
Dybantsa brings superior physical tools and explosive athleticism to BYU. The 6-foot-9 wing excels as a straight-line driver and transition threat, though his jumper and ball-handling require development. He scored 30 points in BYU’s preseason opener against Nebraska.
Boozer, son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, dominated statistically throughout his prep career. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 22 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 55/40/80 splits in 26 games last season. He led the EYBL circuit in both scoring and rebounding.
Beyond the top three, significant questions remain throughout the lottery range. Tennessee’s Nate Ament holds the consensus fourth spot, while Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. represents the first of several players with wide-ranging projections.
The perceived lack of depth could intensify tanking behavior late in the NBA season. The 2026 class precedes a 2027 draft that scouts view with concern due to limited high-end talent.
The Athletic 2026 NBA Mock Draft (First Round):
1. Darryn Peterson – Kansas
2. AJ Dybantsa – BYU
3. Cameron Boozer – Duke
4. Nate Ament – Tennessee
5. Mikel Brown Jr. – Louisville
6. Chris Cenac Jr. – Houston
7. Jayden Quaintance – Kentucky
8. Koa Peat – Arizona
9. Tounde Yessoufou – Baylor
10. Labaron Philon – Alabama
11. Braylon Mullins – Connecticut
12. Bennett Stirtz – Iowa
13. Brayden Burries – Arizona
14. Dash Daniels – Melbourne United
15. Yaxel Lendeborg – Michigan
16. Caleb Wilson – North Carolina
17. Thomas Haugh – Florida
18. Isiah Harwell – Houston
19. Karter Knox – Arkansas
20. Dwayne Aristode – Arizona
21. JoJo Tugler – Houston
22. Patrick Ngongba II – Duke
23. Darius Acuff Jr. – Arkansas
24. Karim Lopez – New Zealand Breakers
25. Dame Sarr – Duke
26. Miles Byrd – San Diego State
27. Milos Uzan – Houston
28. Neoklis Avdalas – Virginia Tech
29. Sergio De Larrea – Valencia
30. Isaiah Evans – Duke
Second Round:
31. Tahaad Pettiford – Auburn
32. Braden Smith – Purdue
33. Hannes Steinbach – Washington
34. Christian Anderson Jr. – Texas Tech
35. Tomislav Ivisic – Illinois
36. JT Toppin – Texas Tech
37. Cameron Carr – Baylor
38. Nate Bittle – Oregon
39. Adam Atamna – ASVEL
40. Flory Bidunga – Kansas
41. Boogie Fland – Florida
42. Paul McNeil – NC State
43. Henri Veesaar – North Carolina
44. Alex Karaban – Connecticut
45. Anthony Robinson II – Missouri
46. Joshua Jefferson – Iowa State
47. Donovan Dent – UCLA
48. Richie Saunders – BYU
49. Darrion Williams – NC State
50. Alex Condon – Florida
51. Otega Oweh – Kentucky
52. Johann Grunloh – Virginia
53. Momo Faye – Senegal
54. Tucker DeVries – Indiana
55. Trey Kaufman-Renn – Purdue
56. Ryan Conwell – Louisville
57. Mackenzie Mgbako – Texas A&M
58. Josh Dix – Creighton
59. Dailyn Swain – Texas
60. Silas Demary Jr. – Connecticut
