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Darryn Peterson Embraces Chip on His Shoulder After Going No. 2 Overall
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- Darryn Peterson Embraces Chip on His Shoulder After Going No. 2 Overall
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Darryn Peterson Embraces Chip on His Shoulder After Going No. 2 Overall
Darryn Peterson's NBA career hasn't officially started yet, but the former Kansas star already has the motivation he'll carry with him for years.
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After being selected No. 2 overall by the Utah Jazz in Tuesday night's NBA Draft, Peterson made it clear he hasn't forgotten that Washington chose BYU star AJ Dybantsa with the top pick.
"It will always be on my mind for my whole career," Peterson said after the draft.
Peterson doubled down on that mindset during his post-draft media availability, explaining that being selected second overall will fuel him long after draft night.
"I'll have a chip on my shoulder my whole career," Peterson said. "I'll take it out on everybody, not just on that guy [AJ Dybantsa] but on everybody."
The comments came after months of debate over which player deserved to be the first selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. Peterson entered the year viewed by many as the top prospect in the class before injuries and recurring cramping issues limited him to 24 games at Kansas.
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Despite those setbacks, Peterson averaged 20.2 points per game and remained one of the most explosive scorers in college basketball. He produced memorable performances against TCU, Texas Tech and BYU while helping Kansas reach the NCAA Tournament.
In recent weeks, draft analysts remained split between Peterson and Dybantsa. ESPN's Jeremy Woo ultimately ranked Peterson No. 1 on his final draft board, while several executives and scouts reportedly viewed the race for the top pick as a virtual toss-up.
Ultimately, the Wizards selected Dybantsa first, leaving Peterson available for Utah at No. 2.
For the Jazz, the selection could provide a franchise centerpiece. For Peterson, it provides something else, motivation.
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If his comments are any indication, the former Jayhawk plans to spend the rest of his career proving he should have been the first name called on draft night.
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