Darryn Peterson, the electrifying freshman guard at Kansas, is generating unprecedented buzz among NBA players and scouts, with many believing he could have played in the league this year. The 18-year-old phenom is widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and is already being compared to generational talents like LeBron James.
Peterson’s impact has been immediate. In his exhibition debut against Louisville, he erupted for 24 points in just 15 first-half minutes, showcasing elite shotmaking, ball-screen navigation, and transition speed. NBA veteran CJ McCollum remarked:
“I think he could have played in the NBA last year, to be honest with you. He’s going to have a special career … and I hope that when it’s all said and done, it’s LeBron [James] coming out of Ohio and then you’re talking about him.”
Peterson hails from Canton, Ohio, the same state that produced LeBron, and his rise has drawn comparisons not just for geography but for dominance. Scouts say his combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive instincts make him the most complete guard prospect since Derrick Rose.
Peterson stands at 6’6″, 205 lbs, with a reported 6’10” wingspan. He’s described as a “three-level scorer” with a silky jumper, elite handles, and a mature feel for the game. According to NBA Draft Room, he’s “one of the top guards to come out of the high school ranks in the past decade.”
His strengths include elite shot creation and pull-up shooting, unselfish playmaking and court vision, strong rebounding and defensive versatility as well as dvanced pace control and great footwork.
While not the most explosive athlete, his ability to manipulate defenders and create space has scouts projecting him as a future All-Star.
Kansas head coach Bill Self has already built much of the team’s offense around Peterson. Despite battling cramps and minor injuries in preseason, Peterson has practiced at full speed and is expected to start in the regular season opener against Green Bay.
Self praised Peterson’s maturity and adaptability, noting that the team “looks completely different” when he’s on the floor.
Peterson currently sits atop most 2026 mock drafts, ahead of fellow elite prospects AJ Dybantsa (BYU) and Cameron Boozer (Duke). Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman and The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie both rank Peterson as the No. 1 prospect, citing his polish and pro-ready skill set.
His pro comparison? Anthony Edwards with more playmaking and defensive upside.
With the college season just beginning, Peterson has a full year to solidify his status. But if early signs are any indication, he’s not just a top pick, he’s a future face of the league.
