"At the start of the men's college basketball season, the soft consensus among NBA front office personnel was that Darryn Peterson had the edge on AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft. Dybantsa was considered a hair ahead of Boozer based on perceived long-term upside while Boozer offered a more substantial floor. Peterson offered the best combination of both. But each of these freshmen are considered legitimate No. 1-quality prospects; they just happen to be in the same class."
"After a historically strong start from Boozer and massive performances by Dybantsa -- coupled with a hamstring injury that waylaid the start of Peterson's season and has lingered in his return -- the debate about who should go No. 1 has yet to lose intrigue. Peterson remains in the top spot in ESPN's latest Big Board, followed by Dybantsa and Boozer. But to gain a deeper understanding of where all three stand in the race, ESPN's Jeremy Woo and Jeff Borzello spoke to a half-dozen NBA scouts and college coaches to build the case for -- and against -- each as the No. 1 pick."
Darryn Peterson entered the season as the consensus favorite for the top pick due to his size, playmaking and scoring ability. AJ Dybantsa is valued for perceived long-term upside while Cameron Boozer presents a stronger floor. Peterson has missed time and experienced a lingering hamstring issue that has affected his start and return. Boozer produced a historically strong early start and Dybantsa delivered massive performances, keeping debate over the No. 1 pick active. NBA scouts and college coaches were consulted to evaluate strengths and weaknesses and to identify prospects who could fill out the lottery.
Read at ESPN.com
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