As the NBA combine heats up and the draft approaches this June, the buzz around who should go No. 1 overall is reaching a fever pitch. While several elite prospects are in the mix, the conversation has narrowed to two standout freshmen: Kansas' Darryn Peterson and BYU's AJ Dybantsa.

Despite battling health issues during his season with the Jayhawks—which has tilted the narrative toward Dybantsa as the likely top pick—Peterson isn't backing down from his belief that he deserves the honor. In a recent interview on the NBA on ESPN YouTube channel, the 6-foot-5 guard laid out exactly what sets him apart: discipline and an unwavering commitment to being the best version of himself.

"I feel like I'm the best," Peterson said confidently. "Take a chance on me, I won't let you guys down."

That kind of self-assurance is exactly what scouts love to see. And Peterson has the game to back it up. Starting 23 of 24 appearances for a Kansas team that finished 24-11, he averaged an impressive 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. His performances earned him a spot on the Big 12 All-Freshman Team and second-team all-conference honors.

There were flashes this season where Peterson looked every bit the part of a future No. 1 pick—moments that had fans dreaming of a deep NCAA tournament run. But injuries and the Jayhawks' overall inconsistency kept both Peterson and the team from reaching their full potential. Kansas fell in the Big 12 tournament semifinals and exited in the NCAA tournament's second round.

Still, Peterson's talent is undeniable. As the pre-draft process unfolds, he has a chance to quiet any doubts that lingered from his freshman campaign. For a team looking to build around a player with high-level scoring ability, defensive tenacity, and a relentless work ethic, Peterson might just be the steal of the draft at No. 1.