Kansas Stars Peterson, Dybantsa Downplay NBA Draft Buzz

UPDATE: Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa, the projected top two picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, just confirmed they are focused solely on their college seasons, dismissing speculation about their futures. Speaking at the Big 12 media day in Kansas City on Wednesday, both players emphasized winning games over draft talk.

Peterson, a five-star recruit and 6-foot-6 guard for Kansas, is currently projected as the No. 1 pick in ESPN’s latest mock draft. “I handle it by not even paying any attention to it,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to the Jayhawks this season. Peterson was named the Big 12 preseason freshman of the year and made the all-Big 12 preseason first team.

Meanwhile, Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 wing from BYU, was recently honored on the Associated Press preseason All-America team. He showcased his talent with a stellar performance over the weekend, scoring 30 points in a closely contested exhibition loss to Nebraska. “It was a good experience,” Dybantsa reflected, noting the learning curve of playing in front of away crowds.

Despite the hype surrounding their potential draft positions, both athletes are striving to improve their college play. “I think me and Peterson probably have similar mindsets,” Dybantsa said, recognizing their shared goal of winning rather than focusing on individual accolades.

Peterson reinforced the importance of leadership, stating, “I lead by example and I’m trying to do all the right stuff, both on and off the court.” This commitment to teamwork is critical as they navigate their first college season in the competitive Big 12.

In addition to Peterson and Dybantsa, UCF coach Johnny Dawkins highlighted another rising star, freshman Cameron Boozer, who is also projected to be a top NBA pick. After scoring 33 points in a recent exhibition, Dawkins praised Boozer’s competitive spirit and potential, saying, “He’s going to be a great college player and he’s going to be a terrific pro.”

As the college basketball season approaches, the spotlight remains on Peterson and Dybantsa, who are determined to make their mark while silencing draft talk. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these young talents perform on the court in the coming months.

Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds and the battle for the top pick intensifies!