The 2025–26 college basketball season has been defined by one extraordinary freshman class. Three names in particular—AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer—have dominated headlines, highlight reels, and NBA draft conversations.
Entering the NCAA Tournament, all three are widely viewed as the top prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft, with the race for the No. 1 pick still undecided.
Each player has built a compelling case through elite performances, signature moments, and unique skill sets. But their differences in play style, team success, and overall upside could ultimately determine who hears their name called first on draft night.
Let’s break down their seasons, strengths, weaknesses, and how March Madness could influence the final verdict.
AJ Dybantsa — The Explosive Scoring Superstar
School: BYU
Position: Forward
2025–26 Stats: 25.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 51.3% FG, 34% 3PT
If pure scoring ability determined the No. 1 pick, AJ Dybantsa might already have the spot locked up.
The BYU freshman has been the most prolific scorer in college basketball this season, leading the nation in points per game while serving as the centerpiece of the Cougars’ offense.
At 6’9″, Dybantsa combines size, athleticism, and shot creation in a way that makes him one of the most difficult players in the country to defend. He can score at all three levels—attacking the rim with explosive drives, pulling up from midrange, or hitting perimeter shots.
Key Moments This Season
Dybantsa’s year has included several standout performances that boosted his draft stock.
One of the most notable came during the Big 12 Tournament when he exploded for 40 points against Kansas State, showcasing his ability to completely take over a game offensively.
Earlier in the season, he also made history by recording a 33-point triple-double, highlighting his ability to contribute across the stat sheet.
These performances have reinforced the idea that Dybantsa possesses the highest offensive ceiling of any player in this draft class.
Strenghts
Dybantsa’s strengths revolve around his scoring and versatility:
- Elite scoring instincts and creativity
- High-level athleticism for a 6’9″ wing
- Shot creation ability both off the dribble and in isolation
- Strong rebounding and playmaking for his position
Because of this offensive toolkit, many scouts believe Dybantsa could eventually become a primary scoring option in the NBA.
Weaknesses
Despite his star power, Dybantsa is not without flaws.
Even though he possesses the size and athleticism to contribute as a terrific defender, scouts have questioned his consistency and effort on that end of the floor.
There are also concerns about his shot selection at times. As a high-usage scorer, he occasionally forces difficult attempts, which could be exploited against elite competition.
Compared with Boozer in particular, Dybantsa is seen as having more upside but also more risk.
NCAA Tournament Outlook
There’s not a team in the tournament that relies on the performance of one man more than BYU relies on AJ Dybantsa. The Cougars’ success in March depends heavily on how far Dybantsa can carry the team.
If he produces multiple dominant performances and pushes BYU deep into the bracket, it could strengthen the argument that he is the most talented player in the draft.
Darryn Peterson — The Dynamic 2-Way Guard
School: Kansas
Position: Guard
2025–26 Stats: 19.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 44.2% FG, 38.4% 3PT
Darryn Peterson represents a very different archetype compared with the other two prospects.
While Dybantsa and Boozer dominate from the forward positions, Peterson is a 6’6″ scoring 2-guard whose game revolves around shot creation, perimeter scoring, and defensive activity.
Key Moments This Season
Peterson has delivered several clutch performances for Kansas.
In the Big 12 Tournament, he led the Jayhawks with 24 points against TCU, scoring 16 of those in the second half while also adding 8 rebounds and 3 steals.
His ability to draw fouls and score in key moments has made him one of Kansas’ most important players throughout the season.
Strengths
Peterson’s biggest strengths include:
- Advanced scoring ability for a guard
- Strong three-point shooting
- Ability to attack the rim and draw fouls
- Defensive potential thanks to his length and athleticism
Compared to Dybantsa and Boozer, Peterson arguably has the most guard-like NBA skill set, which can be extremely valuable in today’s perimeter-driven league. He also arguably has the highest upside out of the three.
Weaknesses
However, Peterson’s game is also the most polarizing among the three prospects.
His playmaking numbers are relatively modest for a primary ball-handler, averaging fewer than two assists per game. Some scouts worry that he can fall into isolation-heavy scoring stretches, which can disrupt offensive flow.
There’s also the issues with cramping he’s had throughout the year. Before the year, Peterson opened up about the traumatic full-body cramp he experienced that ultimately sent him to the hospital. Peterson has subsequently missed 11 games this season and on multiple occasions has gestured to Head Coach Bill Self to prematurely sub him out, never to return. Scouts worry that if he can’t complete a 30 game college season, he’ll have no chance at completing the 82 game gauntlet the NBA offers.
Compared to Boozer’s all-around production and Dybantsa’s scoring dominance, Peterson’s impact can sometimes feel less consistent: his no-show in the Big 12 semi-final against Houston exemplified these worries.
NCAA Tournament Outlook
Peterson’s draft stock could rise dramatically if Kansas makes a deep run.
Because guards often define March Madness, a few clutch tournament performances could elevate him into a more serious No. 1 pick conversation. If he can gain a little more consistency and lead Kansas deep into the tournament, there’s no doubt he would be the favourite to go No. 1 in June.
Cameron Boozer — The Complete Superstar
School: Duke
Position: Forward
2025–26 Stats: 22.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 56.5% FG, 40.9% 3PT
While Dybantsa may be the most explosive scorer and Peterson the most dynamic 2-way player, Cameron Boozer might be the most complete basketball player of the three.
The Duke freshman has dominated the college game with a combination of size, skill, and elite basketball IQ.
He leads Duke in scoring, rebounding, and assists—a rare accomplishment that highlights his all-around impact.
Key Moments This Season
Boozer has been the driving force behind Duke’s dominant season, helping the Blue Devils capture the ACC title and secure a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed.
One of his signature performances came against heated rivals North Carolina when he recorded 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, demonstrating his ability to take over games in multiple ways.
His consistent dominance throughout the season has even made him a leading contender for National Player of the Year.
Strengths
Boozer’s biggest advantage is his well-rounded game:
- Elite basketball IQ and decision-making
- Outstanding rebounding and physicality
- Advanced passing ability for a big
- Reliable scoring in both the post and perimeter
Compared with Dybantsa and Peterson, Boozer likely has the highest floor as an NBA prospect.
Weakness
Despite his dominance, Boozer does face a few criticisms.
Some scouts question whether his athletic explosiveness is as elite as Dybantsa’s. Others wonder if his game relies heavily on strength advantages that might diminish at the NBA level.
Still, those concerns are relatively minor compared with his overall production and consistency.
NCAA Tournament Outlook
Because Duke is the title favourite, Boozer will likely have the biggest stage of the three prospects.
If he leads the Blue Devils deep into March—especially to a championship—it could solidify his status as the safest and most impactful player in the class.
Final Verdict: Who Will be the No. 1 Pick?
When evaluating Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer side by side, the debate essentially comes down to ceiling versus certainty. If teams prioritise a high floor, they’ll likely choose Boozer, if they prioritise a high ceiling, they would go with Peterson, and if they want to split the difference, they’d go with Dybantsa.
If the draft were held today, while Boozer’s combination of production, leadership, and versatility makes him the favourite for the NCAA tournament’s most outstanding player, Dybantsa’s slightly higher upside, combined with Peterson’s injury and consistency issues, would likely give him the edge for the No. 1 overall pick.
That said, one dominant NCAA Tournament run—from any of these three stars—could completely reshape the race.
And that’s exactly why this year’s March Madness might double as the most important audition for the future of the NBA.