Peterson, Dybantsa, or Boozer? Why the 2026 NBA Draft Race is Breaking the Internet
While the 2025 draft had the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes, 2026 has delivered something arguably rarer: a “Big Three” of elite prospects who would each be the consensus number one in almost any other year. NBA general managers are practically drooling, and fanbases of struggling teams are already refreshing Tankathon daily.
The Three-Headed Monster
Most scouts agree that the race for the top pick has tightened into a dead heat between three freshmen who are currently dominating the college landscape.
1. The Scoring Machine: AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
Playing for BYU, Dybantsa has turned the Cougars into must-watch TV. He is currently leading the nation in scoring, averaging over 24 points per game. His explosive ability to create his own shot has drawn comparisons to elite NBA wings like Tracy McGrady. Dybantsa isn’t just scoring; he’s doing it with an efficiency that defies his age, making him the favorite for teams needing a primary offensive engine.
2. The “Safe” Bet: Cameron Boozer (Duke)
Over in Durham, Cameron Boozer is putting up numbers we haven’t seen from a freshman since Zion Williamson. Averaging a double-double (23.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG) for Duke, Boozer is the polished, high-IQ forward who contributes to winning immediately. While some critics argue he lacks the “vertical pop” of Dybantsa, his production is undeniable. He is widely viewed as the safest pick in the draft—a franchise cornerstone with a floor higher than most players’ ceilings.
3. The Unicorn: Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
Darryn Peterson has had the rockiest road of the three, battling nagging hamstring injuries during his freshman campaign at Kansas. Yet, when he is on the floor, he is electric. Despite the missed time, some scouts still have him at #1 on their Big Boards due to his rare combination of size (6’5″), playmaking, and three-level scoring. His per-minute efficiency is off the charts, suggesting that once fully healthy, he could be the best of the bunch.
The Dark Horse Rising
While the “Big Three” dominate headlines, don’t sleep on Caleb Wilson from North Carolina. Before suffering a hand injury recently, Wilson was rocketing up draft boards, showcasing elite defensive versatility and a developing offensive bag. If he returns in time for a deep NCAA Tournament run, he could disrupt the established pecking order.
Why It Matters Now
For NBA teams currently sitting in the lottery—like the Washington Wizards and the Sacramento Kings—this draft represents a franchise-altering opportunity. Unlike years where there is a steep drop-off after the first pick, the 2026 class offers multiple paths to stardom.
As we head into March, every game for BYU, Duke, and Kansas will be dissected under a microscope. The debate isn’t just about talent anymore; it’s about fit, health, and who can handle the pressure of the spotlight. One thing is certain: whoever lands the top pick in June is getting a generation-defining talent.
