The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hoops Tonight – Darryn Peterson or AJ Dybantsa? Who Should Be the #1 Pick in the 2026 NBA Draft?

Date: February 22, 2026
Host: The Volume / iHeartPodcasts
Episode Theme: In-depth analysis of the 2026 NBA Draft’s top two prospects—Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa—with a focus on which player deserves to be the #1 overall pick and why.

Episode Overview

Host Jason Timpf (Hoops Tonight) examines the debate around the top pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. He breaks down the strengths, weaknesses, and NBA projections for the consensus top-two prospects: explosive scoring wing AJ Dybantsa and elite shooting guard Darryn Peterson. Timpf explores their archetypes, current trajectories, and how each might fit at the NBA level, ultimately revealing who he would select #1 and the rationale behind his choice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Stage: The Top of the 2026 NBA Draft

• Podcast kicks off with current betting odds: Darryn Peterson is the favorite (-300), with AJ Dybantsa close behind (+375) ([03:04]).
• Timpf acknowledges the high caliber of both prospects:

  “I don’t think this is a case of, like, one of these guys is a star and one of these guys is a bust. I think, barring injury, both of these guys have first-team all-NBA potential…” ([03:33])

• Context: Slight drop-off after these two, with Cam Boozer also in the conversation but a tier below.

Archetype Analysis & Personal Leanings ([04:00]–[09:00])

• Timpf’s draft philosophy: He generally prefers “lanky wing scorer” archetypes (like Paul George or Brandon Miller) over smaller hyper-athletic guards, referencing the 2023 Scoot Henderson vs. Brandon Miller debate.
• However, Peterson isn’t that undersized guard—he’s a big, athletic two-guard; Dybantsa is a lanky, aggressive forward.
• Surprise twist: Despite expecting to lean Peterson, after deep film and stat review, Timpf chooses Dybantsa by “an ever-so-slight margin.”
• Key differentiators:
  • Peterson is elite but not a “world-beating” athlete like Anthony Edwards.
  • Dybantsa breaks the “lanky forward” mold by relentlessly attacking the basket—a blend between “KD/Paul George big wing jump shooter” and “LeBron/Giannis downhill attacker” ([07:42]).
  • Dybantsa’s rim pressure, rebounding, and flashes of playmaking suggest a high floor and possible superstar ceiling.

Notable Quote ([08:33]):

“He’s got a better natural feel for playmaking than Darryn Peterson. If he can add the jump shot and the defensive end to it, I actually think he has best-player-in-the-world world potential.”

Off-Court “Weirdness” With Darryn Peterson ([09:30]–[11:00])

• There’s concern around Peterson’s availability and competitive drive:
  • Quick to sit out with minor injuries, rumored attitude issues, disputes with coaching staff.
  • Lots of agent/influencer noise; Timpf calls it a “weird phase” for a young player about to secure generational wealth.
  • Timpf’s take: It’s not enough to drop him down the board yet, but it’s something to watch.
• Balanced perspective:

  “I won’t sit here and pretend like all this stuff is a good thing... But I don’t think we know nearly enough about the situation, certainly not in a concrete sense surrounding his character to pass on the guy.” ([10:26])

Conclusion on the #1 Pick Debate ([11:40])

• If the draft were today, Timpf would pick AJ Dybantsa #1, Peterson #2.
• Acknowledges there is still time for both to shift perceptions with improved play as the season closes.

Deep-Dive Scouting Reports

AJ Dybantsa: The Aggressive Modern Wing ([16:22]–[21:40])

Statistical Profile (2026 season):

• 25 games: 24 PPG, 7 RPG, 4.4 APG
• FG: 54%
• 3P: 36%
• FT: 75%
• Rim attempts: 7 per game, finishing at 68%

Key Attributes:

• Relentless downhill aggression:

  “There’s a nastiness to him at the rim. Even in his poor shooting nights… he was forcing his action towards the rim and getting a lot of close shots.” ([16:56])

• Advanced scoring arsenal:
  • Uses hesitation dribbles, step-throughs, spins, fadeaways, hooks, and Euro-steps.
  • Pull-up twos: 46%; inside 17 feet: 52% on high volume.
  • Decent pull-up/float game.
• Physical tools:
  • Strong, athletic, uses size to finish close; highlights feature both dunks and touch-y layups.
• Passing/playmaking:
  • More willing passer than Peterson: 4+ assists per game, better assist:TO ratio ([20:12]).
• Areas of improvement:
  • Needs to become a more impactful defender—shows tools and effort but not yet consistent.
  • Consistency and efficiency as a jump shooter could take him to the “perennial MVP” tier.

Notable Quote ([21:31]):

“If he can make mild improvements there… we’re talking about one of the more dynamic three-level scorers in the league.”

Floor/Ceiling Prognosis:

• Even a “lower-end” Dybantsa projects as a perennial all-NBA candidate; with improved defense/jumper, he could contend for “Best Player in the World.”

Darryn Peterson: The Elite Shooting 2-Guard ([21:40]–[28:20])

Statistical Profile (2026 season):

• 14 games: 20 PPG in 28 MPG
• FG: 48%
• 3P: 41%
• FT: 80%
• Notable: More turnovers than assists; low rim attempt volume (2.7/g); 46% catch-and-shoot 3P

Key Attributes:

• Elite shooting, especially off movement:
  • Pull-up twos: 50%; inside 17 feet: 59%
  • Off-screen 3s: 41%, handoffs: 38%, spot-ups: 60%

  “He’s just been completely ridiculous off the catch this year… The majority are heavily contested, a lot on the move.” ([22:40])

• Athleticism:
  • Great frame, explosive but not “Anthony Edwards-level;” throws down highlight dunks but on low volume ([23:40]).
• Style/Comparisons:
  • Despite the “Anthony Edwards” comp, Timpf sees more of a “Seattle Ray Allen” archetype:

    “I look at Darryn as like an evolutionary Ray Allen… more strength, some potential on-ball upside.” ([24:55])

• Limiting factors:
  • Needs to increase aggression getting to the rim—rim attempts too low for his athletic profile.
  • Passing approach can be “tunnel vision”; not generally a vision or skill issue but more about decision-making ([26:45]).
• Defensive projection:
  • May be more game-ready as a defender than Dybantsa early in his NBA career; has the tools and the instinct for steals and positioning.

Notable Quote ([25:44]):

“Almost 70% of Darryn Peterson’s attempts so far in college have been jump shots. Again, really more of an off-ball movement shooter at heart… but he’s got a stronger frame and on-ball potential.”

Floor/Ceiling Prognosis:

• “Evolutionary Ray Allen” with upside for first-team all-NBA if he ties together aggressive on-ball play and passing.

Head-to-Head & Draft Philosophy Reflections ([28:20]–[30:55])

• Both players are in an “elite, MVP-caliber prospect” tier.
• Dybantsa = higher ceiling if all comes together (rim pressure + playmaking + plus defense + improved jumper).
• Peterson = safer as an immediate contributor (shooting, defense) but must expand his game to reach true superstar heights.
• “If I had to make a pick right now… it’s that basket-attacking, higher overall ceiling that I see with Dybantsa.”

Cooper Flagg Comparison ([29:30]–[30:55])

• Prompted by listener: Where would current Cooper Flagg fit in this class?
• As NCAA prospect: Flagg would be in same tier as Dybantsa and Peterson, likely going third.
• Based on NBA performance so far: He’d be second, just behind Dybantsa.
• Important note: These three form a truly elite, tight grouping; there’s no “gap” between them.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On draft philosophy:

  “In this particular case, I thought I would lean towards Darren Peterson… but there is a physical downhill aggression with AJ Dybantsa that sold me — I would end up taking Dybantsa No. 1 if I had to pick right now.” ([08:53])

• On Dybantsa’s upside:

  “The ceiling with AJ Dybantsa is off the charts… if you add the impact defense, we’re talking about a guy who has the potential to be a perennial MVP candidate in the NBA. The potential to be the best player in the world.” ([18:50])

• On Peterson/Allen comparison:

  “Heavier emphasis on off-ball jump shooting. Ray Allen was one of the original high-volume movement shooters… That’s like a whole element… fundamentally different than what we see from Anthony Edwards.” ([24:55])

• On flaws not being fatal:

  “I think even just getting more reps will help him a lot in that specific situation.” ([27:55]) — on Peterson's decision-making on drives

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:04 — Betting odds & framing the Peterson vs. Dybantsa debate
• 04:00–09:00 — Archetype discussion & initial scouting lean
• 09:30–11:00 — Off-court/character concerns with Peterson
• 11:40–12:45 — Final #1 pick reasoning (Dybantsa over Peterson)
• 16:22–21:40 — AJ Dybantsa deep-dive: Stats, rim aggression, playmaking, room for growth
• 21:40–28:20 — Darryn Peterson deep-dive: Shooting, athleticism, playing style, defensive projection
• 28:20–30:55 — Tier ranking: Dybantsa, Peterson, Cooper Flagg

Summary Table: Prospect Comparison

| Player | Key Strengths | Key Weaknesses | NBA Projection | Archetype | |-------------------|------------------------------------|---------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | AJ Dybantsa | Rim pressure, scoring versatility, physicality, playmaking upside | Impact defense, jumper consistency | Potential MVP/Best Player in NBA | Hybrid KD/Paul George (wing scorer) + Giannis/Zion (downhill attacker) | | Darryn Peterson | Elite movement shooting, NBA frame, defensive upside | Rim aggression, passing approach | Elite All-Star/All-NBA; “Ray Allen+” | Evolutionary Ray Allen (movement shooter with frame) |

Final Thoughts

• Both Dybantsa and Peterson are blue-chip prospects with franchise-changing potential.
• Dybantsa has the edge today for his unique blend of rim aggression, size, and the highest upside if he develops as expected.
• Peterson is a safer bet as a pro-ready shooter and defender, but needs greater rim aggression and playmaking consistency to hit his ceiling.

[Episode ends with host promising a return for more mailbag Q&A and draft coverage as the season and scouting progresses.]