As the 2026 NBA Draft draws closer, all eyes are on former Kansas Jayhawks star Darryn Peterson, who is turning heads—and raising questions—at this week's NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. Is he the next Kobe Bryant, as some believe, or a risky pick at the top of the board? The debate is heating up, and we've got the latest updates straight from the Windy City.

Peterson's physical tools are undeniably elite. At the Combine, he measured in at 6'4.5" barefoot and 199 pounds, with a remarkable 6'9.75" wingspan and an 8'7" standing reach. Those numbers are consistent with his past measurements, confirming he has the build of a prototypical NBA guard. But the real story is what happens on the court—and off it.

When Peterson played this season, he was electric. But his availability was a constant concern, with frequent breaks and missed games for various reasons. After the season, Peterson revealed that new bloodwork and tests showed that high doses of creatine were causing mysterious, debilitating cramping—a revelation that adds context to his spotty game log.

So, where does he land in the draft? The jury is split. A poll of 15 NBA executives on who they'd take with the No. 1 pick overwhelmingly favored AJ Dybantsa (12 votes), with Peterson earning just three. Still, many scouts believe Peterson won't fall past No. 3, where the Memphis Grizzlies are waiting. The question is whether a team will gamble on his immense talent or let him slide.

Stay tuned as we track every update, measurement, and rumor from the Combine. Whether you're a Jayhawks fan or just love draft drama, this is one story you won't want to miss.