Darryn Peterson NBA mock draft projection: Where Kansas star is expected to land

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Kansas's Darryn Peterson  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Darryn Peterson 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 3 overall, Washington Wizards

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

While he is no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class. The Wizards would put the All-Big 12 guard in a strong position to begin his career alongside Trae Young and Anthony Davis. It is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson while holding a usage rate as high as his has been this season.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Darryn Peterson player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Kansas
• 19.8 points per game
• 4.4 rebounds per game
• 1.7 assists per game
• 44.2% field goal percentage
• 38.4% three-point field goal percentage

Washington Wizards 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 3, No. 53 (via MIN) and No. 60 (via OKC)