Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson and Duke freshman forward Cameron Boozer have officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, meeting the April 24 deadline and positioning themselves as two of the most anticipated prospects in what analysts project to be a historically deep freshman class. Both players made their announcements via social media on Friday evening, confirming decisions that had been widely expected since their respective arrivals on campus earlier this academic year.
Peterson, a 6-foot-6 guard from Kansas, averaged 20.2 points, and 4.2 rebounds per game during his lone season with the Jayhawks, shooting 38.2% from three-point range across 24 appearances. Despite missing 11 games due to injuries and illness — including a severe full-body cramping episode that required hospitalization before the season — Peterson showed flashes of elite scoring ability in the postseason, dropping 24 points against TCU and 28 in an NCAA Tournament first-round win over Cal Baptist. His performances in high-pressure moments reinforced his status as a potential lottery selection.
Boozer, listed at 6-foot-9 and playing forward for Duke, was named The Associated Press National Player of the Year for his standout freshman campaign with the Blue Devils. Like Peterson, Boozer entered the draft process with significant momentum, having consistently ranked among the top prospects in national evaluations throughout the season. His combination of size, skill, and production at the collegiate level has drawn comparisons to elite forwards in recent NBA draft classes.
Their declarations were mirrored by other high-profile freshmen, including BYU’s A.J. Dybantsa, who announced his decision on Thursday, and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson and Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., who also declared before the deadline. According to a draft tracker published by The Sporting News on April 25, 2026, Peterson, Boozer, Dybantsa, Wilson, and Acuff Jr. Are among the first eight underclassmen to have formally entered the 2026 NBA Draft pool, with all maintaining the option to withdraw and return to school by the May 27 deadline.
The early entry deadline for the 2026 NBA Draft passed at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 24, setting the stage for a draft class that many scouting services believe could rival the most talented in recent memory. With the NBA Draft Lottery scheduled for May 12 and the combine set to begin in Chicago on May 14, the coming weeks will be critical for prospects seeking to improve their standing through workouts, interviews, and medical evaluations.
For Peterson, the decision marks the complete of a turbulent but productive lone season at Kansas, where flashes of brilliance were often interrupted by availability issues. His ability to score in bursts and create his own shot has drawn interest from teams seeking guard depth, though consistency and durability will be key questions heading into the pre-draft process. Boozer, meanwhile, enters the draft as one of the most polished offensive forwards in the class, with a versatile skill set that allows him to score inside and space the floor — traits highly valued in the modern NBA.
As the draft process unfolds, both players will participate in evaluations that could significantly influence their final placement. The NBA Draft Combine, scheduled for mid-May, will provide the first major opportunity for NBA executives to assess Peterson and Boozer in a controlled environment, measuring athleticism, shooting, and interpersonal traits through interviews and on-court drills.
With the draft itself set for June 25–26, 2026, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the focus will now shift to how these two highly-touted freshmen navigate the final stretch of the pre-draft journey. Their decisions add to what is shaping up to be one of the most compelling entry classes in recent NBA history, defined by youth, upside, and the immediate impact potential of players who spent just one season in college.
For continued updates on the 2026 NBA Draft process, including official announcements, combine results, and lottery outcomes, readers can refer to the NBA’s official draft tracker and reputable sports news outlets providing real-time coverage.
What are your thoughts on Peterson and Boozer’s declarations? Share your predictions for their draft positions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow basketball fans following the 2026 NBA Draft race.