The battle for the top spot in the 2026 NBA Draft is heating up, and the latest numbers from the NBA Combine are giving fans and scouts plenty to talk about. AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, the two frontrunners for the No. 1 pick, have officially been measured, and the results highlight a clear athletic advantage for one of them.
Dybantsa, the BYU Cougars star who led the nation in scoring this past season with 25.5 points per game, posted a max vertical leap of 42.0 inches. That explosive number, reported by ESPN's Jeff Borzello, reinforces why many see him as a potential franchise cornerstone. Peterson, the Kansas Jayhawks guard who averaged 20.2 points per game, recorded a max vertical of 37.5 inches—still impressive, but not quite at Dybantsa's level.
The combine measurements come at a crucial time, as the Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 pick and are expected to choose between the two. ESPN's Jeremy Woo has Dybantsa going first overall in his latest mock draft, citing his physical tools and two-way upside. “Dybantsa is a strong fit for Washington on paper, even with the Wizards’ collection of younger wings, with his physicality and athletic tools giving him major two-way upside,” Woo wrote. “NBA teams view his excellent size and powerful, physical style as hallmarks of a potential franchise-level talent.”
Dybantsa's dominance this season wasn't just about scoring. Despite BYU's early exit from the NCAA Tournament, he showed growth in handling major offensive responsibility, which has only boosted his draft stock. His combination of size, strength, and leaping ability makes him a nightmare matchup on both ends of the floor.
Peterson, however, is not far behind. His offensive skillset is undeniable, but he missed an extended stretch of the season due to cramping issues, which raised some questions about durability. Still, his 37.5-inch vertical and overall game keep him firmly in the conversation. The question remains: can he do enough to sway Washington's front office?
The NBA Draft Combine is just the latest chapter in a rivalry that has defined the 2026 draft class. Both players have a chance to solidify their cases in workouts and interviews leading up to the draft, which will take place from June 23-24.
For fans of the Wizards, the decision could shape the franchise for years to come. The team's lottery luck has been a hot topic recently, especially after Mallory Edens left disappointed as the Bucks fell to No. 10. Now, with the top pick in hand, Washington has a chance to land a potential superstar.
While Dybantsa's combine numbers give him an edge, the draft is ultimately about more than just athletic testing. Both players will need to prove they can translate their college success to the next level. But for now, the 42-inch vertical has put Dybantsa in the driver's seat—and the basketball world is watching closely.
