It was easy to predict who would be selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft more than a year in advance of commissioner Adam Silver calling names. It was always going to be Cooper Flagg. But the 2026 NBA Draft has more questions at the top and features at least three prospects who could reasonably lead front office big boards right now -- specifically Darryn Peterson,

In ESPN's new 60-pick 2026 NBA mock draft by Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, a pair of KU stars were featured. Freshman guard Darryn Peterson is projected to go No. 1 overall to the Washington Wizards, while Flory Bidunga slots in at the end of the second round at No. 56 overall.

The bad news is after another likely season of “development" for the Hornets, who could end up in position to draft the type of franchise-altering prospect they’ve long dreamed of