Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and BYU wing AJ Dybantsa, projected as the highest two picks in ESPN’s 2026 NBA mock draft, each mentioned they aren’t targeted on draft hypothesis. The Large 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 Large 12 Preseason Freshman of the 12 months. He earned a unanimous choice to the All-Large 12 preseason first workforce on Wednesday.
“I deal with it by not even paying any consideration to it,” Peterson advised ESPN. “I am simply going to exit and play and win video games.”
Dybantsa recorded 30 factors on 10-for-19 taking pictures 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 workforce on Monday.
Dybantsa mentioned the highway 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 feel me and [Peterson] in all probability have related mindsets, clearly, enjoying with him since I am going to say my freshman 12 months,” Dybantsa mentioned. “I do not suppose he’s too apprehensive about [going No. 1]. I feel he is simply actually attempting to show himself as a school participant and he is in all probability obtained the identical objective as me: to exit and win.”
UCF coach Johnny Dawkins praised Duke freshman Cameron Boozer after the projected No. 3 decide 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 a terrific basketball participant and he nonetheless has room to develop,” Dawkins mentioned Wednesday. “After I noticed that occur, I knew precisely who he will be. He’ll be a terrific school participant and he will be a terrific professional.”
