Dybantsa, Peterson lead AP’s mock NBA Draft list

FILE - This photo combination shows, from top left, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, March 19, 2026, in Portland, Ore., Kansas guard Darryn Peterson in Lawrence, Kan., March 7, 2026, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, March 21, 2026, in Greenville, S.C., and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson in Stanford, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman, Reed Hoffmann, Brynn Anderson, Jeff Chiu)

There’s a clear top tier of one-and-done prospects in this month’s NBA draft.

BYU’s AJ Dybantsa was widely discussed as the No. 1 pick before becoming a first-team Associated Press All-American. His top challenger for the overall top selection is Kansas combo guard Darryn Peterson, followed by Tobacco Road forwards Cameron Boozer of Duke and Caleb Wilson of North Carolina.

The first pivot point is seemingly set for No. 5 with a wave of one-and-done guards.

With the first round set for June 23, here are the top XX picks in the AP’s initial mock draft, startig with the longtime favorite:

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, forward, BYU

The 6-foot-9, 217-pound Dybantsa averaged a national-best 25.5 points by pressuring defenses with his ability to create his own shot, get to the foul line (national-best 229 makes and 296 attempts) and find teammates (3.7 assists). Synergy rated him as “Excellent” in its analytics rankings as the ball handler in pick-and-roll scenarios (87th percentile) and post-ups (94th). He averaged 26.9 points in seven games against top-10 foes, including 35 points in a loss to Final Four-bound Arizona and a near triple-double (29 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists) in an upset of sixth-ranked Iowa State.

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, guard, Kansas

There’s no questioning the talent and athleticism, nor the playmaking and scoring skillset. The 6-5, 199-pound Peterson averaged 20.2 points by attacking off the bounce or in transition, shot 38.2% on 3-pointers and made 82.6% of his free throws. The biggest questions arose from his availability. He dealt with a full-body cramping issue that required hospitalization before the season, missed 11 games due to injury or illness and frequently had limited minutes for uncertainty with his day-to-day status.

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, forward/center, Duke

The 6-8, 253-pound son of former Duke and NBA player Carlos Boozer became the fifth freshman voted AP men’s national player of the year. He averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds, capable of finishing through contact (55.6% field goals) or stepping outside (39.1% on 3s). Synergy rated him as “Excellent” against man defense (94th percentile), on post-ups (86th) and spot-up shots (95th). He’s a strong passer (4.1 assists) out of double-teams and while initiating offense, notably assisting on Isaiah Evans’ late 3-pointer to beat reigning national champion Florida.

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, forward, North Carolina

Wilson was an immediate star with explosive athleticism and a spotlight-embracing personality. The second-team AP All-American averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds while thriving at the rim and in transition with his go-go-go motor. He’ll need to add strength to a lean frame (6-9, 211) and improve his 3-point stroke (25.9%). Wilson had a national-best 66 dunks when he went down with a broken left hand in mid-February, then he broke his right thumb in practice when he was on the verge of returning in March.

5. Los Angeles Clippers (from Indiana): Keaton Wagler, guard, Illinois

The 6-5, 188-pound freshman went from four-star recruit to second-team AP All-American in leading Illinois to its first Final Four since 2005, averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He shot 39.7% on 3-pointers, including hitting nine 3s in a 46-point performance against Purdue. He won the Jerry West Award as the nation’s top shooting guard, though he’s a slim build lacking elite athleticism.

6. Brooklyn Nets: Brayden Burries, guard, Arizona

The 6-4, 215-pound freshman combo guard has a sturdy frame and two-way potential. He was the scoring leader (16.1) for a 36-win Final Four team, shooting 49.1% overall and 39.1% from 3-point range. He was fourth at the combine in standing vertical leap (35 inches).

7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr., guard, Arkansas

The 6-2, 186-pound freshman is a dynamic lead guard who ranked third nationally in scoring (23.5) and 14th in assists (6.4). His standout performances included scoring 49 points in a double-overtime loss at Alabama, along with a three-game tear (91 points, 12 3-pointers) for the Razorbacks’ first Southeastern Conference Tournament title in 26 years.

8. Atlanta Hawks (from New Orleans): Kingston Flemings, guard, Houston

The 6-3, 183-pound freshman was a third-team AP All-American as a lead guard capable of being disruptive defensively. Flemings was an efficient shooter (47.6% overall, 38.7% on 3s, 84.5% on free throws) capable of pressuring teams in transition or off the dribble. He finished with a nearly 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio and posted a Cougars freshman-record 42 points in a loss to Texas Tech.

9. Dallas Mavericks: Mikel Brown Jr., guard, Louisville

The 6-5, 180-pound guard averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists, but showed his scoring potential when he went for 45 points and 10 3-pointers against N.C. State in February. There were also three other 29-point outputs. The biggest concern was back issues, which sidelined him for eight games at midyear then resurfaced to sideline him for the final six — including two March Madness games.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament, forward, Tennessee

There’s an intriguing blend of versatility and fluid athleticism with the 6-10, 211-pound freshman, a playmaking passer and No. 2 scorer (16.7) for a team that reached the NCAA Elite Eight. He’ll need to add strength and he leans on his jumper, with spot-up shots accounting for nearly 19% of his usage, according to Synergy. But a monthlong run in the SEC (22.8 points with 39.1% shooting on 3s from Jan. 10 to Feb. 20) highlighted his potential.