AJ Dybantsa Pulls Ahead for 2026 No 1 Pick

Merlin sees the draft leaderboard shifting. Cameron Boozer is the only one still alive in the NCAA tournament, but NBA chatter has tilted toward AJ Dybantsa as the "most likely choice" for No. 1 after a 35-point, 10-rebound outing. Darryn Peterson flashed dominance at times but "questions that have emerged around Peterson" — namely recent shooting woes — have given teams pause, while Dybantsa remains the "simplest choice in the minds of many around the NBA." Merlin notes fit will decide the fate of the trio. Scouts admire Boozer’s winning pedigree — the "strongest winning résumé" — even as they fret about foot speed and rim defense; teams rebuilding may favor Dybantsa or Peterson for upside, while contenders like Indiana could pick for immediate fit.