Peterson, Dybantsa Headline Historic Night at Allen Fieldhouse - But Only One Stole the Show
The 1,000th game at Allen Fieldhouse was always going to be special. But when you throw in two projected top picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, it becomes something more - a showcase, a statement, maybe even a preview of future All-Star battles. And on Saturday night, it was Darryn Peterson who seized the moment.
While No. 13 BYU vs.
No. 14 Kansas had all the makings of a high-stakes college basketball clash, it was Peterson’s electric first half that turned this into must-watch TV.
The Kansas freshman came out firing, dropping 18 points before halftime and giving the Jayhawks a commanding 20-point lead. He looked every bit the No. 1 pick - smooth footwork, elite shot-making, and a highlight-reel dunk in transition that sent the Fieldhouse into orbit.
Across from him, AJ Dybantsa - the other name in that top-pick conversation - couldn't quite find his footing early. The BYU star struggled under the bright lights and the defensive pressure, missing his first few shots and watching as Kansas turned defense into offense in a flash. By the time Dybantsa hit a deep three to get on the board, Peterson had already put his stamp on the game.
Stats Comparison: Peterson vs. Dybantsa
| Stat | Peterson | Dybantsa |
|---|
| Minutes | 20 | 34 | | Points | 18 | 17 |
| Rebounds | 3 | 1 | | Assists | 1 | 1 |
| Steals | 3 | 0 | | Blocks | 0 | 0 |
| FG | 6/8 | 6/12 | | 3PT | 3/5 | 2/4 |
| FT | 3/4 | 3/4 | | Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
Peterson’s night was nearly flawless - 18 points on eight shots, three steals, no turnovers. But the second half told a different story.
After logging just four minutes due to cramping, he spent most of the second half on the bench. And with their star sidelined, Kansas had to dig deep.
What followed was a furious BYU rally, led not by Dybantsa, but by Richie Saunders, who caught fire and nearly turned the game on its head. Saunders poured in a career-high 33 points, including six triples, and single-handedly dragged the Cougars back into it. A 21-point Kansas lead shrank to just four with minutes to play.
Dybantsa eventually found a groove, finishing with 17 points, but it was Saunders who carried the Cougars’ hopes down the stretch. Kansas, meanwhile, leaned on freshman Bryson Tiller, who stepped up with a career-high 21 points and some clutch plays late to help the Jayhawks hang on for a 90-82 win.
Peterson’s Draft Stock Keeps Rising
Even in limited minutes, Peterson did more than enough to reinforce his status as the top prospect in the draft class. According to a recent ESPN poll of 20 NBA executives, Peterson holds a slight edge over Dybantsa, 12-8, in the race for No. 1 overall.
Scouts are raving about his polish - especially his footwork, his ability to create space, and his 42% shooting from deep. He’s being talked about as the most complete shooting guard prospect since Kobe Bryant. That’s not hyperbole - that’s how clean his game looks right now.
The only knock? Availability.
Peterson has already missed 10 games this season due to a hamstring issue, an ankle sprain, and now recurring cramps. When he’s on the floor, he’s a walking bucket, averaging 21.6 points in just 27 minutes per game.
But staying on the floor consistently will be key to solidifying his draft position.
Dybantsa Still a Top-Tier Talent
Don’t let one off night cloud the big picture - AJ Dybantsa is still very much a generational talent. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan, he brings a rare blend of size, athleticism, and ball-handling to the wing. He’s currently second in the nation in scoring at 23.6 points per game and recently dropped 43 on Utah in one of the most dominant performances of the season.
His outside shot still needs some work - he’s shooting just 31% from three - but his ability to create mismatches as a point-forward makes him a high-upside pick with All-Star potential written all over him.
Age Check: Peterson and Dybantsa
Both players are just 19 years old, with birthdays just 12 days apart. Peterson, born January 17, 2007, hails from Canton, Ohio, and came into college already polished after a standout high school career. Dybantsa, born January 29, 2007, reclassified to enter college early and has already built an international résumé, including an MVP performance at the FIBA U19 World Cup.
Final Takeaway
The 1,000th game at Allen Fieldhouse gave us a glimpse of the future - and it’s bright. Peterson’s first-half explosion showed why NBA teams are drooling over his skillset.
Dybantsa, despite a slow start, reminded everyone of his long-term ceiling. And in between, we saw the kind of drama that makes college basketball so special.
If Peterson can stay healthy, Kansas has a real shot at cutting down nets in April. And no matter how the rest of the season shakes out, both Peterson and Dybantsa are on a collision course with the NBA - and Saturday night was just the beginning.