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2026 NBA Draft: Freshmen Shine, Top Picks Emerged

11/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The 2026 NBA Draft cycle kicked off as freshmen posted standout performances, with BYU's AJ Dybantsa scoring 21 points and six rebounds against Villanova.
Arizona's Koa Peat followed with 30 points, seven rebounds, and five assists against defending champion Florida.
Dybantsa and Peat are projected as top picks in Sam Vecenie's early mock draft.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is highlighted as a potential No. 1 pick.

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Story summary

The 2026 NBA Draft cycle kicked off as freshmen posted standout performances, with BYU's AJ Dybantsa scoring 21 points and six rebounds against Villanova.
Arizona's Koa Peat followed with 30 points, seven rebounds, and five assists against defending champion Florida.
Dybantsa and Peat are projected as top picks in Sam Vecenie's early mock draft.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is highlighted as a potential No. 1 pick.