AJ Dybantsa can settle the score with Darryn Peterson in the NBA Summer League

AJ Dybantsa nearly lost the number-one pick when BYU basketball squared off against Darryn Peterson and the Kansas Jayhawks in the 2025-26 season.

BYU lost that game, and in a first-half blowout, Peterson tallied several steals and nearly 20 points with Dybantsa defending him one-on-one. Dybantsa wasn't playing poorly by any means -- though he scored fewer than 20 points in the riotous Allen Fieldhouse -- but when Peterson hit his trademark tough jumpers right overtop the Cougars' ace, it did wonders for DP's draft stock.

For the first time since this winter, Dybantsa will have a chance to settle the score against his rival.

And he may need to if he wants to avoid conceding an early Rookie of the Year lead to Peterson, who has performed consistently better than Dybantsa every time the pair square off.

And the worst part of this all for the former Coug is Peterson's mentality toward these games. When given the chance to make a statement against his peer, the number-two overall pick carries a chip on his shoulder. He feels slighted by the fact that Dybantsa was selected before him in the order -- he believes he's the best player in his draft class, obviously.

He made a statement when facing Cameron Boozer, the third overall pick, in the Salt Lake City Summer League. Following a performance of 25 points and 12 assists, the new Jazzman took to the podium to confirm that their matchup was personal. He certainly holds similar feelings to Dybantsa, a player many felt was the clear number-one pick this summer.

So Darryn Peterson will bring his A-game; don't get the idea that Dybantsa will drift through this offseason exhibition.

Still yet to make his first appearance in the NBA, Dybantsa will wear a Wizards jersey for the first time Thursday night, with the eyes of the nation eagerly analyzing every play, every shot, and every highlight taking place between these two budding superstars.

If you ask me, I believe that Dybantsa comes out swinging.

With increased spacing, an NBA system, and a strong team around him, I believe that the BYU alum will prove just how impressive his scoring prowess was while with Kevin Young's program, and he doubles down with the weight of expectations on his shoulders.

He's fully cogniscent of his head-to-head history with Darryn Peterson. Now approaching the ultimate stage, expect AJ Dybantsa to give this matchup everything he's got. Peterson has the buzz of the basketball world right now -- Dybantsa hopes to smother it.

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