Peterson's Draft Stock Slips After Early NCAA Exit

0:00On March 23rd, with the NCAA tournament in full swing, basketball fans are already buzzing about the 2026 NBA draft, especially the fight, for the number one overall pick. This year feels wide open, and Kansas J-Hawks guard Darren Peterson, a 19-year-old standout at six feet six inches, leads the conversation, among scouts. Peterson has drawn attention for his scoring skills, but he's faced some heat lately, including a moment where he subbed himself out during a game, with Coach Bill Self. Kansas bowed out early in the second round, which didn't help his case right away. ESPN analyst and former coach Seth Greenberg praised Peterson's rare talent, but said flat out he wouldn't draft him first overall. Greenberg pointed to a game against St. John's where Peterson didn't dominate like he expected, comparing it to Arizona's Darius Acoff Jr. dropping 36 points on high point. Meanwhile, top prospect AJ DeBanza also exited the tournament without declaring for the draft,

1:00keeping the top spot up for grabs as both players. Way their options. The race stays heated, with Peterson needing to polish a few edges to lock down that top billing come draft time.