A genuine debate has emerged among NBA evaluators over the top pick in June’s draft, with a growing contingent viewing BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa as a lower-risk selection than Kansas star Darryn Peterson, league sources told ESPN.
While Peterson remains the most gifted offensive player in the class, concerns about cramping issues and inconsistent play this season have elevated the perceived uncertainty around selecting him first overall. Dybantsa is considered less polished as a ball handler and shooter but projects with greater untapped physical upside and defensive potential.
“The battle for No. 1 is close enough between Peterson and Dybantsa to the point where league sources broadly view this as a matter of which team ultimately makes the pick,” per the report.
Duke freshman Cameron Boozer’s dominant season has also kept him in contention.
A large NBA contingent attended the Big 12 tournament in Kansas City on Tuesday to evaluate both prospects.
Peterson’s supporters remain firmly in his corner. Scouts who tracked him in high school retain strong conviction in his playmaking ceiling as a lead ball handler, and he appeared noticeably healthier over the weekend against Kansas State. A strong postseason run could reshape the narrative around his season. He is considered a near-certain top-three selection regardless of outcome.