Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and BYU wing AJ Dybantsa, projected as the highest two picks in ESPN’s 2026 NBA mock draft, each stated they aren’t targeted on draft hypothesis. The Massive 12 standouts spoke Wednesday at convention media day, emphasizing their dedication to profitable school video games over future skilled prospects.
Peterson, a 6-foot-6 five-star recruit projected to go No. 1, was named Massive 12 Preseason Freshman of the Yr. He earned a unanimous choice to the All-Massive 12 preseason first crew on Wednesday.
“I deal with it by not even paying any consideration to it,” Peterson instructed ESPN. “I am simply going to exit and play and win video games.”
Dybantsa recorded 30 factors on 10-for-19 capturing with seven rebounds and three steals in BYU’s 90-89 exhibition loss to Nebraska on Saturday. The 6-foot-9 ahead was named to the Related Press preseason All-America crew on Monday.
Dybantsa stated the street atmosphere offered precious expertise regardless of the defeat. He famous a number of gamers skilled jitters of their first school recreation or first look with BYU.
“I believe me and [Peterson] most likely have related mindsets, clearly, taking part in with him since I will say my freshman yr,” Dybantsa stated. “I do not suppose he’s too fearful about [going No. 1]. I believe he is simply actually making an attempt to show himself as a school participant and he is most likely obtained the identical purpose as me: to exit and win.”
UCF coach Johnny Dawkins praised Duke freshman Cameron Boozer after the projected No. 3 choose scored 33 factors in Tuesday’s 96-71 exhibition victory. Boozer shot 4-for-7 from three-point vary within the dominant efficiency.
“He is terrific. He is an ideal basketball participant and he nonetheless has room to develop,” Dawkins stated Wednesday. “Once I noticed that occur, I knew precisely who he’ll be. He will be an ideal school participant and he’ll be a terrific professional.”
