HoopTalk – The Debate

The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one for the history books, and right now, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is: Who is the No. 1 overall pick this year?

Almost every prospect in the top 5-10 projects as a long-term NBA contributor, with legitimate star potential. That’s rare in the modern era. Think back to the iconic 1984 draft (Jordan, Olajuwon, Barkley, Stockton) or the star-studded 2003 class (LeBron, Wade, Carmelo, Bosh). This 2026 group—led by freshmen phenoms—has the chance to rival or even surpass them in sheer talent at the top.

But no debate is hotter than the battle for No. 1 and No. 2. It’s a razor-thin race between two electric freshmen who’ve already captivated scouts, execs, and fans: BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson (with Duke’s Cameron Boozer lurking as a serious third contender in many mocks).

Being from Boston, I have been on the AJ train for a while now. Seeing him play at the Garden as an 8th grader was quite special. However, what Darryn Peterson did on Saturday may have flipped the race on its head.

All year long, Darryn has been dealing with hamstring issues, which have limited him to just 27.3 MPG, but he has been putting up an astounding 21.1 PPG in those minutes. To compare, AJ is playing 32.3 MPG and is averaging 23.3 PPG.

Player Profiles

AJ Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 forward with a wingspan exceeding 7 feet. The prototypical “jumbo wing” NBA teams are drooling over. Hailing from Brockton, Massachusetts, he reclassified to the 2025 class and committed to BYU in December 2024. Scouts rave about his advanced feel for getting to his spots, elite athleticism, and emerging 200-plus-pound frame that screams NBA-ready versatility. He’s drawn comparisons to a more athletic version of past top picks due to his two-way potential.

Darryn Peterson, a 6-foot-5 combo guard with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. Peterson’s scouting report emphasizes his cut-up frame, effortless scoring from all levels, and ability to play on or off the ball. He’s been called the best guard prospect in decades, with silky smooth athleticism reminiscent of a bouncier Damian Lillard

The Scout

Scoring

• Dybantsa: Lethal mid-range pull-up game, high release, and explosive slashing. His size allows him to finish through contact, and he’s expanding his three-point range.
• Peterson: Effortless three-level scorer with pro-level shotmaking. He bullies smaller guards and glides to the rim, dropping 61 points against Dybantsa in a high school matchup. Edge: Peterson for pure offensive upside

Playmaking and Defense

• Dybantsa: Improving as a passer (3.6 APG) and defender, using his length for steals and blocks. His athleticism gives him higher two-way potential.
• Peterson: Natural combo guard who creates for others seamlessly. Solid defender with length, but not as disruptive as Dybantsa. Edge: Dybantsa for versatility.

Athleticism and Size

• Dybantsa: Elite explosiveness at 6-9, perfect for a modern wing.
• Peterson: Gliding athlete at 6-5, but Dybantsa’s size wins here.

Intangibles often tip the scales in draft debates. Dybantsa is praised for his unselfish play and motor, making him a “player who makes others better.” He’s been healthy and consistent, drawing fouls at a high rate (7.4 per 40 minutes). Peterson, however, brings rare feel and leadership, but injuries are a red flag

While stats favor Dybantsa and scouts slightly prefer Peterson’s upside, this debate could swing based on March Madness performances and pre-draft workouts. Peterson’s injury concerns might drop him if unaddressed, but his talent is undeniable. Dybantsa offers safer, higher-ceiling two-way stardom. For tanking teams, either is a franchise-changer. As one exec put it, it’s “51% to 49%”—a race for the ages. Stay tuned to HoopTalkTV for more draft coverage!

Watch this and see if it changes your mind. Darryn got the best of AJ early, but cramps limited Darryn. How will scouts react to the injury concerns? How will teams grade AJ’s first-half inconsistencies? These are all questions that should be asked, but as one scout said, this is a race for the ages, and we are lucky to be a part of it!