2026 NBA Draft: Is Darryn Peterson a lock to become an elite scorer? What can his high school career tell us about his professional future?

Darryn Peterson is projected to be selected with the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft set for Monday, June 23 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

During his lone season at Kansas, Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest while shooting 43.8 percent from the field, 38.2 percent from 3-point range and 82.6 percent from the free throw line.

Prior to his promising freshman campaign with the Jayhawks, Peterson was a standout at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio), Huntington Expression Prep (Huntington, W.Va.) and Prolific Prep (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) during his four-year high school career.

Read on for a closer look at what Peterson's high school career might tell us about his NBA future. Prospect Report Card

High school record/path: Spent his first two seasons at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy where he led the Royals to back-to-back district title game appearances with a record of 34-15 during that span. He played for Huntington Prep during his junior campaign before an impressive senior stint at Prolific Prep, where he led the Crew to the No. 3 spot in the final National Top 10 with a record of 35-6.

Stats/accomplishments: Averaged 30.5 points, 7.0 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals per contest as a senior after transferring to Prolific Prep. Peterson earned first team MaxPreps All-America honors in 2024-25.

Outstanding achievement: Erupted for 61 points, including a game-winning 3-pointer with less than five seconds remaining, in an 88-86 victory over Utah Prep (Hurricane, Utah) and projected top overall pick AJ Dybantsa. Also earned McDonald's All-America Game co-MVP honors with 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals in the win.

Needs work: It is hard to ignore his lack of facilitating at the collegiate level as Peterson dished out less than two assists per game with the Jayhawks. Injury concerns also played a role throughout the season with cramping issues forcing him out of numerous games early.

Best fit/likely landing spot: Likely to be selected with the second pick in the draft by the Utah Jazz, Peterson looks to slot in beside other promising young players Keyonte George and Ace Bailey in what could be the makings of a solid nucleus for the franchise.

Pro potential: A

2025-26 college season: B-

High school resume: B+