Peterson vs. Dybantsa: A Rivalry Renewed as Kansas Prepares for BYU Showdown
Circle your calendars. Kansas vs.
BYU this Saturday isn’t just a top-15 matchup in the Big 12 - it’s a spotlight moment in a rivalry that’s been simmering since high school. Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa, two of the brightest young stars in college basketball, are set to share the court again.
And for NBA scouts and hoops fans alike, this is must-watch basketball.
Peterson, the Kansas freshman phenom, and Dybantsa, BYU’s 6-foot-9 do-it-all forward, have been jockeying for the top spot in the 2026 NBA Draft conversation - alongside Duke’s Cameron Boozer. But this weekend’s clash at Allen Fieldhouse offers more than just draft implications. It’s the next chapter in a personal rivalry that dates back to their prep days, when these two were battling for the No. 1 ranking in their class.
A Rivalry Rooted in Respect - and Competition
The roots of Peterson vs. Dybantsa go back to their time at Prolific Prep, one of the premier high school basketball programs in the country. Ryan Bernardi, who coached both players during their time there, has had a front-row seat to their development - and their rivalry.
“Darryn always felt he was the best player,” Bernardi said. “He hadn’t had the opportunity to show it - until those matchups.”
Peterson entered his senior year with something to prove. After slipping to third in the national rankings, he joined Prolific Prep with a chip on his shoulder. The spotlight was already bright, but it got even hotter when he faced off against Dybantsa - who had previously played at Prolific before transferring to Utah Prep.
The two finally met on the court twice that season. And Peterson delivered.
Head-to-Head: Peterson 2, Dybantsa 0
Their first matchup came in December 2024, with both teams ranked inside the national top 10. Peterson dropped 32 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in a 76-70 win for Prolific Prep.
Solid numbers, sure. But it was just the warm-up act.
The rematch? That one’s etched in memory.
Peterson exploded for 58 points, seven rebounds, and five assists - including the game-winning three-pointer - in an 88-86 thriller. Dybantsa wasn’t quiet either, putting up 49 points, nine boards, and three assists of his own. But the night belonged to Peterson.
According to Bernardi, 47 of Peterson’s 58 came with Dybantsa guarding him.
And the résumé didn’t stop there. The two were teammates on the McDonald’s All-American team, and once again, Peterson stole the show - earning MVP honors.
“In every opportunity imaginable, Darryn got the best of AJ,” Bernardi said.
Fast Forward to Now: Different Paths, Same Goal
This season, both players have taken different routes to stardom.
Dybantsa has been a model of consistency for BYU. He’s played in all 20 of the Cougars’ games, averaging 23.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. He’s long, athletic, and versatile - a matchup nightmare at the college level.
Peterson’s journey has been more turbulent. He’s played in just 10 games for Kansas due to a series of injuries and health issues - a sprained ankle, hamstring strain, quad concerns, cramping, and even illness. Still, when he’s on the floor, he’s been electric, averaging 21.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in just over 27 minutes per game.
He missed KU’s most recent win over Kansas State with that ankle injury, but all signs point to him being available for Saturday’s showdown.
“He’s hopeful the ankle is better,” said Bernardi. “He’s very excited to get back to 100% to help Kansas win.”
Who’s the Better Prospect?
That’s the million-dollar question - and one NBA teams will be debating all the way to draft night.
Bernardi, who’s coached both, doesn’t hesitate.
“Darryn offensively creates far more advantages,” he said. “He’s a better shooter, creates more separation, is a better passer, and a better individual and team defender.”
He does give Dybantsa the edge in one area: length.
“If you go down the list, probably the only thing AJ has is positional - his length,” Bernardi said. “Darryn is the better functional athlete. He really checks a lot of the boxes.”
Saturday’s Matchup: More Than Just a Game
This weekend’s Kansas-BYU matchup is about more than conference standings or tournament seeding. It’s a chance to see two elite prospects - with history, pride, and future draft stock on the line - go head-to-head on one of college basketball’s biggest stages.
Peterson’s trying to remind everyone why he was once the consensus No. 1. Dybantsa’s looking to prove the torch has been passed.
And for fans? It’s a front-row seat to the next great college hoops rivalry.