AJ Dybantsa Declares for NBA Draft After Breakout Season at BYU
AJ Dybantsa, a prominent forward from BYU, has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft. He made this announcement at the Davis School in Brockton, Massachusetts, where he grew up. Dybantsa is projected to be a top-three pick in this highly competitive draft, potentially even the first overall selection.
Dominant Freshman Season
Dybantsa was a standout in college basketball’s exceptional freshman class. He was frequently mentioned alongside Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and Duke’s Cameron Boozer, both of whom are also expected to be top picks. His impressive performance earned him consensus All-America honors, as well as first-team All-Big 12 and Big 12 Freshman of the Year accolades.
Outstanding Statistics
- Points per Game: 25.5
- Rebounds per Game: 6.8
- Assists per Game: 3.7
- Shooting Percentage: 51%
Dybantsa led the nation in scoring and showcased remarkable consistency throughout the season. Despite the presence of other talented freshmen, Dybantsa’s performance stood out. In an earlier interview, he alluded to staying in college, influenced by his mother’s desire for him to graduate.
Remaining at BYU
At 19 years old, Dybantsa plans to continue his studies at BYU while pursuing his mass communications degree. He expressed, “Because my mom wants me to graduate, so I might not leave,” although he later hinted, “but I might leave.”
Impact on the Court
In BYU’s NCAA Tournament opener against Texas, Dybantsa displayed his prowess by scoring 35 points, despite intense defensive attention. Texas coach Sean Miller admitted during the game that slowing Dybantsa was a challenge. The Cougars, who faced significant roster challenges, were more reliant on Dybantsa’s scoring after losing key player Richie Saunders to an injury.
Even with extra defensive pressure, Dybantsa maintained dominance, consistently scoring over 20 points in 14 consecutive games to close the season. His development as a decision-maker is promising, with improvement noted in his passing ability.
Future Prospects
BYU coach Kevin Young emphasized Dybantsa’s potential, stating that playing alongside more skilled shooters in the NBA could enhance his playmaking abilities. Despite areas needing improvement, particularly in team defense, Dybantsa’s athleticism suggests he can develop into a competent defender at the professional level.
Should Dybantsa go first overall, he would make history as the first No. 1 pick from BYU. The latest deadline for college players to declare for the NBA Draft is set for Friday at 11:59 p.m. ET. Players who enter the draft can withdraw and return to college until June 13.
