AJ Dybantsa vs. Darryn Peterson: The key stats you need to know in 2026 NBA Draft No. 1 overall pick debate

AJ Dybantsa vs. Darryn Peterson: The key stats you need to know in 2026 NBA Draft No. 1 overall pick debate originally appeared on The Sporting News .

Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . It's easy to feel dismayed about the rampant tanking in the NBA this season, but one look at some of the best freshmen in college basketball will make anyone a little more understanding. Kansas' Darryn Peterson and BYU's AJ Dybantsa are far from the only freshmen who could make an instant impact in the NBA, but it's those two names that have been atop draft boards since the start of the season and remain there today.

Duke's Cameron Boozer may be the nation's most productive freshman, while Arkansas' Darius Acuff may be the hottest freshman entering the NCAA Tournament. Peterson and Dybantsa, however, are as close to the complete package as any players in the country, and the debate over who should come off the board first in June will rage on even after their seasons wrap up. Here's a look at how Peterson and Dybantsa's freshman seasons stack up and what you need to know as a third of the NBA positions itself to make a run at one of the two young stars.

MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket | Full TV schedule | Printable bracket AJ Dybantsa vs. Darryn Peterson: Stats Darryn Peterson Stat AJ Dybantsa 22 Games 34 28. 4 MPG 34.