Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is already generating the type of buzz that usually surrounds a future top draft pick. With the 2026 NBA Draft still more than a year away, Peterson has emerged as the early favorite to go first overall. While Duke’s Cam Boozer and BYU’s A.J. Dybantsa remain in the conversation, most evaluators place Peterson slightly ahead of the pack.
What makes him stand out? At 6-foot-5, Peterson is an explosive scoring guard whose game immediately draws comparisons to Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. Their similarities are not just surface-level. Both share a dynamic athletic frame, a fearless approach at the rim, and the ability to create shots under pressure.
The Edwards Comparison
Anthony Edwards was the top pick in 2020, chosen above names like LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman. Scouts see Peterson as following a similar path. The most obvious parallel is athleticism. Edwards is known for raw power combined with highlight-reel hops. Peterson may not yet be as strong, but he already displays the same kind of burst, and with more physical development, his game could mirror Edwards even more closely.
Scoring versatility is another shared trait. Edwards made his case as the top pick because he could create looks from anywhere and knock down difficult shots. Peterson has built the same reputation. His 29.1 points per game in high school illustrate his ability to dominate offensively. High school stats can mislead, but that figure still commands attention. If Peterson proves he can refine his shooting range the way Edwards has, the top spot in the 2026 draft could be his without much debate.
Beyond Scoring
Defense is another area where the two align. Edwards has grown into a tough on-ball defender capable of frustrating opposing guards. Peterson, likewise, shows strong instincts and the ability to lock down perimeter players. The challenge, as with Edwards, will be maintaining focus when he is not directly involved in the play. With consistent engagement, Peterson has the tools to become a true two-way force.
Playmaking remains the question mark. Peterson averaged 3.1 turnovers in high school, and while his scoring is elite, he is not considered a natural distributor. He projects more as a scoring guard than a primary playmaker. Edwards has faced similar criticism, and even now, expanding his playmaking is viewed as the key to his next leap. Peterson may find himself on a similar development path.
The Road Ahead
The excitement around Peterson is rooted in his mix of athleticism, shot creation, and defensive potential. At only 18 years old, his game still has room to grow, but the foundation is already there. Just as Edwards turned himself into a franchise centerpiece, Peterson has the chance to follow that blueprint.
It is too soon to declare him the next Anthony Edwards, yet the comparisons feel earned. If Peterson continues to progress at Kansas and refines the weaker points of his game, the 2026 draft could see him step onto the stage as the league’s next top overall pick.
