The race for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft comes down to three names: Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, and AJ Dybantsa . For Sean Farnham, however, it's a no-brainer. The ESPN college basketball expert believes Dybantsa's potential is too much to pass up.
"I think he's No. 1," Farnham told Malika Andrews in an NBA Today segment. "I think his versatility and positional size is something that transfers over so well. Obviously, you see the athleticism. He's an elite-level shotmaker. He can improve on the 3-point shot… The fact that he can play the point guard position all the way down to the small forward position and can switch defensively with his length and athleticism."
"To me, he's the No. 1 prospect in this draft. And if I was picking number one right now today, he would be the guy I would pick because his upside is higher than anyone on the board," Farnham, who played for the UCLA Bruins, added.
Statistically speaking, Dybantsa is a bit behind Boozer and Peterson. Boozer is averaging a double-double (22.9 points and 9.8 rebounds) with shades of elite-level playmaking at the big man spot (3.9 assists).
Meanwhile, Peterson's efficiency stands out (21.5 points on 60 percent field goal shooting). However, he has played in only two games so far due to an injury.
As great as these numbers are, Dybantsa separates himself from the pack because he has something that cannot be taught. He is vertically explosive and as a 6'9" wing, has great switchability potential in the modern NBA.
And it's not that his stats are bad either: AJ is averaging 19 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists on over 52 percent shooting from the floor, including over 37 percent from deep.
Dybantsa's natural ability to get downhill and in the open court remains his biggest draw. His paint pressure is unique for a guy his size and he projects as a solid 3-point shooter on the next level. Moreover, he knew how to draw fouls and get to the line (33 attempts over the last four contests), and his willingness to shoot the midrange reeks of three-level scoring versatility.
That said, his defensive activity leaves much to be desired. Despite having a seven-foot wingspan and 8'10" standing reach, he only averaged 0.6 steals and 0.3 blocks over eight games. Plus, he is still learning how to turn his scoring gravity into real playmaking impact.
Besides Dybantsa, Boozer and Peterson come with credentials of their own. Cam's polished offensive game and poise make him a safe bet, while Darryn's three-level scoring and superior physical tools as a combo guard keep him firmly in the mix.
However, Boozer is undersized for his position, and Peterson does not possess top-tier explosiveness.
Meanwhile, AJ checks both boxes, which led Farnham to bet on his upside. He had that kind of ceiling where teams stared at what he might become rather than what he was now. And quite frankly, what AJ is now 一 a 19-point, three-level scorer at the college level 一 is just the tip of the iceberg.
The talks surrounding the top pick of next year's draft are bound to change as the season unfolds. For now, Peterson dominates the mock draft boards, but Dybantsa's trajectory keeps him within striking distance. If his growth remains steady, he remains part of the conversation up until June.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
