Kansas guard Darryn Peterson has streamlined his pre-draft process to a single destination, meeting only with the Washington Wizards as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches on June 23-24 in Brooklyn. The decision further sharpens focus at the top of the lottery, where Washington holds the No. 1 overall pick.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Peterson conducted a formal visit exclusively with the Wizards and does not plan to meet with any other franchise before draft night. The report adds that Peterson’s camp believes he remains firmly in contention for the No. 1 selection, mirroring the stance of top prospect AJ Dybantsa.
Washington, coming off a 17-65 season, controls the draft board after securing the top pick in the lottery. The franchise is simultaneously evaluating multiple pathways, including Dybantsa, who has also completed formal visits with both Washington and Utah, the No. 2 selection.
Peterson’s decision to limit his exposure stands out in a draft cycle defined by controlled access at the top. Earlier reporting indicated the Kansas guard planned to restrict private workouts to the Wizards and Jazz, but the latest development removes Utah entirely from his process.
Peterson’s lone collegiate season at Kansas strengthened his standing as a top-tier guard prospect. In 24 appearances and 23 starts, he averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 29.0 minutes per game while shooting 38.2% from three-point range and 82.6% from the free-throw line.
The statistical profile reflects a high-usage perimeter scorer with efficient shooting indicators from the perimeter and the line. His size and scoring versatility have kept him firmly in the conversation near the top of the draft alongside Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and other lottery prospects.
Utah’s position at No. 2 remains significant despite Peterson’s absence from its pre-draft schedule. The Jazz have also been linked to multiple forward prospects as they continue reshaping a roster that finished 22-60, placing them just behind Washington in the lottery standings.
The broader draft picture continues to revolve around Washington’s dual evaluation of Peterson and Dybantsa. Dybantsa’s production at BYU—25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 51.0% shooting—has positioned him as a leading candidate for No. 1 consideration, leaving Peterson’s future potentially tied to either immediate selection or a rapid slide no further than No. 2.
