Four players are early contenders for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft: Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Nate Ament. ESPN’s initial mock draft places Peterson at No. 1.
Dybantsa was long seen as the top pick, but Peterson has surged ahead with a standout season at Prolific Prep, averaging 30.4 points and 7.1 assists while shooting 44% from three. The Kansas commit, often compared to Damian Lillard, has a larger frame at 6’6″ with a 6’11” wingspan.
Dybantsa is now projected at No. 2, though ESPN attributes this to Peterson’s rise rather than flaws in Dybantsa’s game. The versatile 6’9″ wing is committed to BYU.
Boozer, ranked No. 3, has an impressive high school resume and is expected to make a major impact at Duke, similar to Cooper Flagg.
Ament, at No. 4, has emerged as a high-upside prospect with elite length and skill at 6’11”. He has yet to commit but is considering Duke, Kentucky, and Louisville.
Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer In Top-4 Of ESPN's First 2026 NBA Mock Draft https://t.co/bRfOzc65Si
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 26, 2025
