The hype surrounding Darryn Peterson as a future NBA Draft pick continues to grow, but not everyone is sold, including one of the sport’s most recognizable voices.
During a recent segment on ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back when discussing Peterson’s NBA outlook, offering a blunt response when asked if he would consider the Kansas freshman a top-five pick.
“Hell no,” Smith said.
The strong take immediately sparked reaction across the college basketball world, especially considering Peterson’s upside and flashes of elite scoring ability throughout his freshman season with the Kansas Jayhawks.
Peterson, a 6-foot-6 guard, has been one of the most dynamic young players in the country when healthy, showcasing high-level shot-making and offensive creativity. He’s averaged just under 20 points per game, and at his best, has looked every bit like a future NBA lottery pick.
However, Smith’s hesitation appears to center on consistency and availability. Peterson’s season has been impacted by injuries, causing him to miss multiple games and limiting his overall rhythm at times. For NBA evaluators, and clearly for Smith, that raises questions about whether he’s ready to be selected among the very top prospects.
Still, it’s far from a unanimous opinion. Many scouts and analysts continue to view Peterson as one of the most talented players in the 2026 NBA Draft class, with some projecting him as the potential top pick if he continues to develop and stays healthy.
After Kansas’ early exit from the NCAA Tournament, Peterson doesn’t have much of an opportunity to grow on a national scale. His stock will likely be determined throughout NBA workouts and scrimmages against some of the best players in the country.
For now, though, Smith’s take has added another layer to the conversation and ensured that all eyes will be on Peterson as the draft approaches.
