John Hollinger’s Insights Featured in Deseret News
John Hollinger, a veteran NBA analyst and former executive with the Memphis Grizzlies, recently focused on the New Orleans Pelicans’ organizational issues. In his latest article for El-Balad, he highlighted BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa, naming him the “Prospect of the Week” following his performance against a formidable UConn team.
AJ Dybantsa: Rising Star in NCAA Basketball
Dybantsa faced a challenging matchup, with BYU ultimately losing by two points. Despite the team’s struggles, Hollinger praised Dybantsa’s showcasing of elite skills that have sparked interest among scouts regarding his potential as a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Strengths and Weaknesses Evaluated
- Scoring Ability: Dybantsa can easily create his jump shot and excels at shooting off the dribble.
- Physical Skills: Standing as a big forward, he demonstrates excellent elevation and shooting comfort.
- Defensive Potential: His size provides him advantages as a multi-positional defender, but consistency is crucial.
- Areas for Improvement: Dybantsa needs to refine his dribbling skills and enhance his passing ability.
Hollinger emphasized the importance of tracking progress over the course of the season. He noted that expectations should not be altered by early performances, encouraging observers to wait until the NCAA season unfolds, particularly during significant matchups.
Competitive Landscape for NBA Draft 2026
In a contemporaneous development, ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo released his first mock draft for 2026. Dybantsa is currently projected as the No. 2 pick, trailing only Darryn Peterson, a standout who is favored to be selected first.
Dybantsa’s Performance Highlights
Game Overview: Dybantsa made a strong impression during the BYU-UConn game, drawing considerable NBA interest due to his performance.
- First Half: Struggled to make an impact.
- Second Half: Showcased his scoring potential and drew fouls frequently.
Woo’s analysis reflects Dybantsa’s unique combination of scoring and defensive abilities, noting that while he has considerable upside, consistency and game flow recognition are areas for growth. As the NCAA season progresses, Dybantsa will have ample opportunities to prove his worth, particularly during key games in the Big 12.
With prospect assessments evolving, Dybantsa remains a player to watch as he aims for a top position in the 2026 NBA Draft.
