The NBA draft lottery has officially set the stage, and all eyes are on Kansas basketball's rising star, Darryn Peterson. After a standout freshman season with the Jayhawks, the question on everyone's mind is clear: Could Peterson be the No. 1 overall pick?
Peterson isn't the only Jayhawk making waves. Flory Bidunga, a sophomore who recently transferred to Louisville, also received an NBA combine invitation and could be turning pro. With the lottery results in, fresh mock drafts are offering early predictions on where these two talented players might land.
Current Mock Draft Projections (as of May 10):
ESPN
• Darryn Peterson: 1st round, 2nd overall (Utah Jazz)
• Flory Bidunga: 2nd round, 41st overall (Miami Heat)
The Athletic
• Darryn Peterson: 1st round, 2nd overall (Utah Jazz)
• Flory Bidunga: 1st round, 24th overall (New York Knicks)
Bleacher Report
• Darryn Peterson: 1st round, 2nd overall (Utah Jazz)
• Flory Bidunga: 2nd round, 36th overall (Los Angeles Clippers)
Peterson's impressive season earned him All-Big 12 second team and all-freshman honors, while Bidunga took home first team, all-defensive team, and defensive player of the year accolades. Together, they powered Kansas to the Big 12 tournament semifinals and the NCAA Tournament's round of 32, despite Peterson missing some games due to health issues.
As the draft approaches, the buzz around Peterson's potential rise to the top spot only grows. Whether he goes No. 1 or No. 2, one thing is certain—his journey from Lawrence to the NBA is just beginning.