Freshmen Stars Heat Up NBA Draft Race Ahead of College Basketball Season

KANSAS CITY, MO. — The 2025-26 college basketball season kicked off on Nov. 3, showcasing a talented group of freshmen vying for top spots in the 2026 NBA Draft. Leading this charge are Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, and Duke‘s Cameron Boozer.

Peterson, touted as the top recruit, made a statement in his debut by scoring 21 points in just 22 minutes during the Jayhawks’ 94-51 rout of Green Bay. Coach Bill Self highlighted Peterson’s ability to make the game look easy, indicating his potential for a breakout season.

Meanwhile, Dybantsa also impressed, contributing 21 points to help BYU secure a 71-66 win over Villanova. His late-game prowess was on full display as he scored 13 points in the second half, solidifying his position as a candidate for the top pick.

Boozer had a slower start, but he found his rhythm in the second half, scoring 15 points to lead Duke in a 75-60 victory against Texas. His mental toughness and ability to control the glass were notable, attributes that scouts are closely monitoring.

These standout performances are just the beginning of what is expected to be an exciting season, as scouts anticipate a fierce competition not only for the top pick in the draft but also for the Conference Player of the Year awards.

As teams gear up for the season, all eyes will be on this trio to see how their skills develop and the impact they will have on their respective teams. The race for the top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft is officially underway.