Kansas Guard Darryn Peterson Projected No. 2 NBA Draft Pick While Teammates Fall Outside First Round

Context Kansas basketball had three players invited to the NBA combine this offseason: freshman guard Darryn Peterson, sophomore forward Flory Bidunga, and senior guard Melvin Council Jr. The combine, set for later this month in Chicago, gives prospects a chance to improve their draft stock through measurements, interviews, and on‑court drills. Multiple outlets have released mock drafts that place Peterson near the top of the board. Over the past five NBA drafts, only two Kansas players have been selected in the first round, highlighting the significance of Peterson’s projected position.

Key Facts - Darryn Peterson: projected No. 2 overall in the first round (The Ringer, ESPN, The Athletic). - Flory Bidunga: projected No. 46 overall in the second round (ESPN); other outlets omit him from the first two rounds. - Melvin Council Jr.: not included in any first‑ or second‑round mock draft across the three sources.

What It Means Peterson’s projected position makes him the highest‑ranked Kansas prospect in recent memory, suggesting teams view him as a potential franchise‑building guard. Bidunga’s second‑round projection indicates he is seen as a developmental piece, likely to be stashed in a G‑League affiliate or assigned a limited role early in his career. Council’s absence from the first two rounds implies he will need to rely on strong combine performances or summer‑league opportunities to earn a contract. For all three players, the upcoming combine will be a critical moment to validate or improve these projections. Analysts note that a strong showing could shift Bidunga into late‑first‑round talks.

What to watch next Watch how Peterson, Bidunga, and Council perform at the Chicago combine and whether any team trades up or down to secure their preferred prospects.