Dybantsa Surges Past Peterson for NBA Draft Top Spot

0:00On March 15th, for months, Kansas freshman Darren Peterson held the top spot as the favorite to go number one overall in the 2026 NBA. Draft. But after this week's Big 12 tournament, BYU freshman AJ Dibonsa has surged ahead. Sportsbooks now list Ivansa as the clear-front runner at Plus 100 on Fandule and minus 1-13 on Draft Kings, while Peterson sits at Plus 130 and Plus 175. Dibonsa put on a clinic over three games for the Cougars, averaging 31 points, seven rebounds, and nearly four assists. He shot over 50% from the field and drained key threes. His 40 points against Kansas states at a BYU freshman single-game record, and his 93 total points shattered the Big 12 tournament, marked previously held by Kevin Durand. Peterson led Kansas and scoring in 19 points for game, but his efficiency tanked. He hit just 28.5% of field goals, and 33.3% from three, well below his season norms.

1:01No J-Hawks made the all-tournament team, while Dibonsa earned a spot. Scouts have Peterson under a microscope after some missed games this year, and the spotlight intensifies with March Madness around the corner. He needs a strong NCAA tournament run, especially getting Kansas past the first weekend for the first time since 2022. To challenge. Dibonsa, a number one pick is every player's dream, and this shift could light a fire under Peterson to dominate and lift his team deep into the postseason.