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No. 1 Pick Race Tightens as Peterson Opens Up on Health and Dybantsa Ascends

Teams are waiting on Peterson's combine medicals before finalizing the top of their draft boards.

Overview

  • Evaluators say the conversation has shifted toward BYU’s AJ Dybantsa based on production and availability, with the freshman leading the nation at 25.3 points per game compared with Kansas guard Darryn Peterson’s 19.8.
  • Peterson detailed a season of severe cramping, including a 45-minute full-body episode that led to hospitalization and IV fluids, contributing to 11 missed games and in-game exits.
  • Scouts and executives indicate they are not broadly alarmed by Peterson’s situation but want formal medicals at the NBA Draft Combine, with NCAA Tournament play offering fresh on-court clarity.
  • Media narratives drew pushback as Peterson rejected NIL and effort insinuations and an NBA scout called such criticisms false; Dybantsa said he chose BYU for long-term development rather than money.
  • Duke’s Cameron Boozer has entered some recent projections at No. 1, adding a third name to what remains a contested top tier for the 2026 draft.