The buzz surrounding the 2026 NBA Draft is palpable, and for good reason. This class is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying in years, boasting a prospect pool that combines size, skill, star power, and a healthy dose of drama over the race for the No. 1 pick. At the heart of this draft conversation are Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, and Duke’s Cameron Boozer—a trio so loaded with potential that NBA teams are already strategizing for their future lottery odds.
Setting the Stage: A Class Worth Tanking For
The early consensus among NBA scouts and analysts is unanimous: the 2026 draft is stacked. The preseason “big three” of Peterson, Dybantsa, and Boozer isn’t just talented; each would likely have been a frontrunner to go No. 1 in past drafts. Evaluators are already comparing this class’s top prospects to the best groups of the past decade, predicting multi-time All-Stars and franchise-changing talents. This marks a significant shift from recent drafts, where the No. 1 pick was often uncertain until late in the cycle. In 2026, teams are openly strategizing for a top-three pick, with some executives joking—or not—about the virtues of tanking for one of these can’t-miss players.
Darryn Peterson: Kansas’ Game-Changing Guard
Darryn Peterson is often at the top of early mock drafts, including ESPN’s, which slots him at No. 1 overall. Standing 6’5” with a robust 195-pound frame and a wingspan built for chaos on defense, Peterson embodies the kind of guard NBA teams crave: explosive, versatile, and impossible to keep out of the paint. His resume is already making waves, with standout performances such as a 58-point game against fellow elite prospect AJ Dybantsa and a 33-point night against Cameron Boozer. Since stepping onto the practice floor at Kansas, Peterson has garnered attention for his physical and mental readiness.
Peterson’s appeal lies in his blend of NBA-ready size, natural scoring instincts, and the ability to impact both ends of the floor. He isn’t just a “get buckets” guy—he rebounds well for a guard, handles the ball efficiently, and has demonstrated a knack for on-ball defense that should translate immediately to the pros. His playmaking skills and ability to fill in as a primary or secondary ballhandler make him a blueprint for a modern NBA backcourt star. While he may not yet carry the same national brand as Dybantsa or Boozer, his high-stakes performances against elite peers and relentless work ethic could push him to consensus No. 1 by draft night.
AJ Dybantsa: The Swiss Army Wing at BYU
Chasing Peterson—and leading some big boards himself—is BYU’s AJ Dybantsa. At 6’9” and around 200 pounds, Dybantsa fits the NBA archetype of the monstrously long, athletic wing. What sets him apart is his ability to “do it all.” Scouts praise his two-way potential, highlighting his scoring, defensive versatility, three-point shooting, and playmaking. Dybantsa’s game oozes fluidity and impact, with springs for legs, the ability to finish through contact, and more polish as a shooter than many wings his age. BYU, typically off the radar for one-and-done superstars, becomes must-see TV with Dybantsa in the lineup.
NBA teams are always searching for the next oversized wing to anchor both offense and defense—the Paul George, Jayson Tatum, or Kawhi Leonard types—and Dybantsa’s profile is intoxicating. If his perimeter shooting continues to develop and he cuts down on turnovers, he could easily leapfrog to the top slot come draft season.
Cameron Boozer: Duke’s Prototypical Power Forward
Not to be overshadowed by the guard-versus-wing debate, Duke’s Cameron Boozer brings size and skill that teams covet. Standing 6’9” as a freshman with an NBA-ready frame and a game reminiscent of modern stretch fours, Boozer is not just a legacy story (his father Carlos played over a decade in the NBA) but a potential franchise cornerstone. Boozer’s game stands out for his all-around polish, scoring efficiently from all three levels, rebounding at a high rate, and showing exceptional feel as a passer and help defender. Duke’s strong track record for producing NBA-ready forwards—think Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Paolo Banchero—only strengthens his case in the eyes of scouts.
Analysts are especially high on Boozer’s motor and leadership qualities. He’s described as “grown-man ready”—the sort of player who could immediately provide value to a rebuilding NBA roster or accelerate a playoff team’s timeline.
The Field: A Deep, Dynamic Lottery
Beyond the headliners, mock drafts project names like Nate Ament (Tennessee), Ace Bailey (Rutgers), and Francis “Kobe” Okeke (G League Ignite) among the lottery’s top 10. This class isn’t just top-heavy; it’s deep, with prospects who would be lottery picks in almost any other year potentially slipping due to the quality at the top. The result? A first round that could be loaded with future All-Stars, versatile role players, and enough athletic upside to keep NBA GMs reevaluating their boards up until draft night.
The Early Mock Draft Landscape: Debates and Destinations
Most mock drafts currently oscillate between Peterson and Dybantsa in the top two spots, with Duke’s Boozer a steady presence at No. 3. Some outlets place Dybantsa’s switchable defense and playmaking just ahead of Peterson’s scoring prowess, while others rank Peterson’s off-the-dribble creation a notch higher for NBA value. Beyond the Big 3, things are fluid: names shift after showcase games, All-American performances, or notable scouting developments. But there’s a clear sense that GMs locked in the lottery will have their choice of multiple franchise-caliber prospects.
Some recent projections include ESPN’s first 2026 mock draft, which has Peterson No. 1, Dybantsa No. 2, and Boozer No. 3. NBA Draft Room and SBNation place Dybantsa No. 1, Peterson No. 2, and Boozer No. 3. On3 has AJ Dybantsa at the top, followed by Peterson and Ament. Remember, draft orders and opinions will swing over the next year as prospects develop, but the Peterson-Dybantsa-Boozer trio already generates a level of anticipation reminiscent of Wembanyama’s year.
Why This Class Matters: The Ripple Effects Across College and the NBA
The 2026 class isn’t just a big deal for NBA teams but for college basketball, NIL deals, and even the G League. With Peterson, Dybantsa, and Boozer splitting between Kansas, BYU, and Duke, the 2025-26 college season is set for headline matchups, ratings bumps, and ticket demand unseen in years. These programs become national stories, driving up interest among casual basketball fans.
Each headline talent arrives in college as a potential marketing magnet; their NIL earning potential rivals what NBA prospects might have seen a decade ago. How they handle the spotlight could affect their draft stock, setting new norms for what off-court value means in player evaluations. Teams mired in the bottom third of NBA standings will be hard-pressed not to “punt” seasons for a shot at these prospects. Expect to see loaded trade-deadline sell-offs as clubs clear salary and accumulate picks to maximize their lottery shots.
Watch for how international and G League Ignite alternatives impact prospect decisions. While this year’s top names are committed to blue-blood college programs, a deep top 10 means development choices will be scrutinized for every edge.
Conclusion
This much talent at the top of a draft doesn’t come along often. The 2026 NBA Draft is already a linchpin moment for teams at every stage of their build—from desperate rebuilders to savvy contenders looking for a transformative piece. With Darryn Peterson’s all-around prowess, AJ Dybantsa’s outrageous wing potential, and Cameron Boozer’s ready-made star power, the race for No. 1 will be one of the most fascinating storylines in sports. But even beyond the top three, the class has the goods to alter the league’s future. Get ready for a yearlong battle between college giants, GMs plotting their great leap forward, and fans glued to the rise of the next NBA faces of the franchise. The 2026 draft hype isn’t just deserved—it’s a preview of the league’s next golden era.
