NBA front offices remain divided at the very top of the draft board, with Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa emerging as co-favorites to be the No. 1 overall pick, according to a new executive poll conducted by [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47786399/kansas-peterson-byu-dybantsa-top-draft-prospects).
The poll highlights a growing split in how league decision makers evaluate the two elite prospects.
ESPN surveyed 20 league scouts and front-office executives, and the responses show how the margin can swing before June. Peterson received 12 votes as the projected No. 1 overall pick, while Dybantsa earned eight. Few evaluators described the decision as definitive, with several suggesting the lead could change multiple times.
“It’s Darryn Peterson for me,” one veteran scout told ESPN. “He makes things look effortless. His shotmaking is unmatched. He’s the closest thing to Kobe Bryant I’ve seen since Kobe in terms of creating his own shot.”
Others leaned slightly toward Dybantsa, citing his size, athleticism and two-way upside.
“It’s so close,” a veteran NBA executive said. “I’d say 51-49. There’s just a little more potential with AJ as a guy who can make others better. But ask me again in a month and I might flip.”
The debate will intensify Saturday when No. 13 BYU visits No. 14 Kansas, marking the first collegiate matchup between the two stars. NBA attendance is expected to be heavy in Lawrence, with more than 30 front-office personnel from 17 teams on hand, including several general managers.
Peterson enters the game managing an ankle issue after missing last weekend’s matchup against Kansas State, though Kansas coach Bill Self has said he expects him to play. Durability has been a discussion point, as Peterson has missed time this season with hamstring and cramping issues. His production has been elite, averaging 21.6 points in 27.2 minutes while shooting 42% from 3-point range.
Dybantsa, listed at 6-foot-9, has played in all of BYU’s games and is averaging 23.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists, drawing praise for his defensive potential. He also had 43 points against Utah before adding 24 this week vs. top-ranked Arizona.
While scouts also mentioned Duke’s Cam Boozer and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson, the early consensus is clear. The race for No. 1 runs through Peterson and Dybantsa in a draft many believe could be historically strong at the top.
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