The 2026 NBA draft is shaping up to feature some generational talent. While BYU wing A.J. Dybantsa (a Brockton native) is considered by many to be the No. 1 prospect, Dybantsa has company at the top of the mountain from 18-year-old Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson. Peterson, a native of Canton, Ohio, is flooring fans and scouts right now with his play, drawing comparisons to the best shooting guards that have ever played the game. He’s also NBA-ready, with Washington Wizards guard CJ McCollum saying in an interview that Peterson could have played in the NBA last year (when he was a high school senior). Players in the NBA believe Darryn Peterson could’ve played in the league last year, and scouts consider him the best guard prospect in a decade“I think he could have played in the NBA last year, to be honest with you. He’s going to have a special career … and I hope that when… pic.twitter.com/iN8SMkrFWc— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 6, 2025 Sports Illustrated published a comprehensive draft prospect evaluation of Peterson in September. “A truly two-way guard, Darryn Peterson may be the best guard prospect to come through the NBA Draft cycle in a decade,” the report read. “If he’s not the best, he’s certainly among them.” “Physically, Peterson stands 6-foot-5 or 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and is already well-built for his age. … He’s a prolific three-level scorer who can do virtually everything on offense, whether operating off the ball or creating with it in his hands.” Story continues below advertisement This is special stuff from Darryn Peterson. The angles at which he gets that jump shot off from, the takeoff point on his drives to the basket, the speed… I mean this is Kobe Bean Bryant type stuff may he rest in peace…pic.twitter.com/d6ryccNgcK— Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper) November 4, 2025 “He has a smooth, buttery jumper, can rise above defenders, stop on a dime, and convert advanced shots fading away or falling to the side,” the report continued. “His shot-making inside the arc is elite. When he gets to the rim, he can finish with power or finesse and is simply effective once he is in the paint. His 3-point shot is reliable, though it is still the area of his game that has the most room to grow. “ “Beyond his scoring, Peterson is an incredible decision-maker. He plays level-headed and never seems rattled. Many high-caliber guards get sped up at the college level, but he has the ability to operate at multiple speeds while always remaining poised. He is not afraid of the moment and can toggle between a finesse-driven game and a power-driven style.” Story continues below advertisement “Defensively, Peterson has plenty of upside as well. … It will be worth watching (at Kansas) how he matches up against quicker, smaller guards with elite burst and wiggle, as well as whether he can slide up to defend bigger wings who are upward of 6-foot-10 and comfortable on the perimeter.” don’t think there’s a one and done guard prospect that’s even remotely close to darryn petersonhis only peers are intls (luka) and players pre one and done rules who spent multiple years in college (cp3, jordan etc) https://t.co/6qoYUSVjOG— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) November 6, 2025 Peterson scored 21 points in Kansas’ first game of the season against Green Bay. He was an efficient 7-of-11 from the field and also tallied four rebounds, three assists and two steals in 22 minutes. Story continues below advertisement For fans looking to catch a glimpse of Peterson ASAP, Kansas will face off against North Carolina on Friday night on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET.