AJ Dybantsa has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the 2026 NBA Draft’s top selection after a standout freshman season at BYU, where the 6-9 wing led the NCAA in scoring while showcasing elite athleticism, mid-range creation, rim finishing, and positional versatility. Most major scouting services and mock drafts now rank him No. 1, citing his combination of size, production, and perceived lower risk relative to peers. Darryn Peterson, the former high-school consensus leader now at Kansas, sits second on big boards due to his guard skills and scoring versatility but has seen his standing slip amid Dybantsa’s rise. Cameron Boozer at Duke rounds out the top tier with strong rebounding and interior presence. The Washington Wizards hold the first pick following the May lottery, yet the market reflects broad scouting consensus on Dybantsa as the safest high-upside option among the class’s top prospects.