AJ Dybantsa has moved into the top spot in ESPN’s latest 2026 NBA Draft rankings, overtaking Darryn Peterson after a strong finish to his freshman season at BYU that impressed league executives.
The 6-foot-9 wing averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 35 games, showing he can handle a heavy offensive role while improving as a playmaker.
“Dybantsa has become the player NBA executives most commonly project to be selected first, with the expectation that he’ll be a star wing scorer with the capacity to drive winning on both sides of the ball in the long run,” wrote Jeremy Woo.
“In a draft replete with high-level talent, he has positioned himself as the easiest answer at No. 1.”
Even after slipping from the top spot, Peterson remains highly regarded.
Scouts still view the Kansas guard as the most naturally gifted scorer in the class, though a preseason full-body cramping issue raised concerns that teams will continue to evaluate through medical checks and interviews.
AJ Dybantsa Moves To No. 1 In ESPN’s 2026 NBA Draft Big Board, Top Of Class Remains Open https://t.co/YkCke8oTEU
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 9, 2026
