Who’s No. 1 in 2026? Breaking Down Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer & Their Challengers

In this episode of the NBA Draft Junkies podcast, Rafael and James Barlowe dive into a loaded group of prospects projected to headline the 2026 NBA Draft. The brothers debate over Kansas-bound guard Darryn Peterson, with James calling him the best guard prospect of the past 20 years, while Rafael counters with AJ Dybantsa as his pick for the nation’s top prospect thanks to his rare blend of size, skill, and two-way upside. They also break down Duke’s Cameron Boozer, discussing his case to win National Player of the Year as a freshman and why his all-around polish and winning pedigree make him arguably the most complete player in the class. Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. gets spotlighted as a dark horse No. 1 pick candidate after a standout run at the FIBA U19 World Cup, where he was robbed of MVP honors despite his impact. The conversation expands to Jayden Quaintance, who impressed as a 17-year-old and looks primed for a breakout season, and Nate Ament, a prospect scouts believe could challenge for the top pick in 2026—drawing comparisons to recent No. 1 Zacharie Risacher. The episode wraps with international and college standouts, including Mexican prospect Kareem Lopez, currently developing in Australia, and Houston freshman Chris Cenac Jr., both of whom Rafael and James believe have the talent to enter the top 5 pick conversation in 2026.

Timestamps

2:05 - Darryn Peterson

11:54 - AJ Dybantsa

24:40 - Cameron Boozer

34:43 - Mikel Brown

42:44 - Jayden Quaintance

48:56 - Nate Ament

54:10 - Karim Lopez

55:26 - Chris Cenac Jr

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