The poll question reveals which CBB star is the favorite to be number 1, according to the executive

Although neither BIU nor Kansas basketball is ranked in the top 10 in the country, much of the NBA world will be focused on their Big 12 showdown in Lawrence. Bottom-barrel teams like the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks will be featured at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday as executives and scouts feast their eyes the two most recognized perspectives in one of the most recognized NBA draft lessons of recent history.

Darrin Peterson and AJ Dibantsa will square off in a game that, whether they like it or not, will be about more than just conference standings. They are the clear favorites to be selected No. 1 overall this summer, and a huge showcase like this could be a game-changer for some organizations. Both star freshmen have certainly been advised to block out the noise, but for those who want to know how the league views them, some intriguing information just fell.

An ESPN poll found that 12 NBA scouts and executives believe Peterson should be the top pick in June, according to Pete Thamel. Dibanca received eight votes for number 1.

NEW: ESPN polled 20 NBA scouts and executives to see who they’d take No. 1 overall in the NBA draft right now. Here it is @ESPN story and @CollegeGameDay I hit the top of what promises to be a generationally strong NBA draft. https://t.co/MVTTBTNoNu pic.twitter.com/s0T03irphB

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 31, 2026

Darrin Peterson vs. AJ Dibants

Despite multiple injuries this season, the latest of which ankle problem that kept him sidelined for last Saturday’s win against Kansas State, Peterson continues to generate plenty of buzz. Thamel says one scout compared the 6-foot-6 guard’s shooting ability to that of the late great Kobe Bryant, while others compared him to Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker.

When on the floor, Peterson dazzles the crowd with his combination of skill, athleticism and strength. He is scoring 21.6 points per game while shooting 49.3 percent from the field and 42.0 percent from behind the 3-point line.

The problem is that Darrin Peterson has only played in 10 of 20 games this season. Whoever wins the NBA draft lottery will have to decide if they can trust this top talent to stay healthy for an extended period of time. Investing a top pick on a a potentially injury-prone player can lead to many sleepless nights. However, the advantage is indisputable.

AJ Dibantsa boasts plenty of promise. He fits in seamlessly with a BIU team that already had difference makers like Richie Saunders and Robert Wright III. He is averaging 23.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 53.0 percent from the field. The 6-foot-9 wing is labeled “Tracy McGrady Jr.” It is believed that it can affect both offense and defense. There are several drawbackshowever.

Dibanca is shooting 31.8 percent from downtown, including 1-of-8 shots against No. 1 Arizona. He was also inconsistent against quality competition. Versatility is essential, but shooting is king in the modern game. Still, he has plenty of time to increase that number. Saturday’s game against Kansas is the perfect time to start.

No. 13 Cougars (17-3, 5-2)) and No. No. 14 Jayhawks (15-5, 5-2) play at 4:30 PM ET. It will be interesting to see how the polls will look after this eagerly awaited contest.