March Madness a stage for 3-way race for NBA draft's No. 1 pick
By Paul Myerberg
Published on March 18, 2026.
Duke freshman Cameron Boozer is leading the way for the NBA draft's No. 1 pick, with his double-double leading the Blue Devils to the top of the USA TODAY Sports Men’s College Basketball Poll. Other contenders include Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and Brigham Young forward AJ Dybantsa. Each player has shown explosive performances this season that have positioned him as the top player in a draft class that has been criticized for tanking efforts among the worst teams in the league. However, whether Boozer's selection will depend on the team's personnel needs and whether teams see a difference-making, franchise-shaping talent in the forward.
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