AJ Dybantsa Declares for 2026 NBA Draft
"I don't think we can."
— Texas coach Sean Miller, on how to slow down Dybantsa.
Brockton, Mass. — BYU forward AJ Dybantsa officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft on Thursday at Davis School, ending one of the most dominant freshman seasons in college basketball.
Projected as a top-three pick — and potentially the No. 1 overall selection — Dybantsa headlines a draft class alongside Darryn Peterson (Kansas) and Cameron Boozer (Duke).
A Historic Freshman Campaign
Dybantsa earned consensus All-America honors, first-team All-Big 12, and Big 12 Freshman of the Year after leading the nation in scoring with 25.5 points per game. His stat line also included 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 51% shooting.
"I think it’s going to be on even more display at the next level when he’s playing with more knock-down shooters."
— BYU coach Kevin Young
He scored 35 points in BYU's lone NCAA Tournament game against Texas. After teammate Richie Saunders suffered a torn ACL, Dybantsa responded with 14 consecutive games of 20+ points.
Defensive Growth Expected at Next Level
BYU coach Kevin Young noted significant improvement in Dybantsa's decision-making and playmaking during the season. However, defensive focus is the area expected to grow most at the NBA level, as his heavy offensive load may have limited his energy on that end.
The "Degree" Question
When asked about his future, Dybantsa offered a smile and a careful answer:
"Because my mom wants me to graduate, so I might not leave... but I might leave."
The 19-year-old plans to remain enrolled at BYU to finish his mass communications degree, even as he prepares for his professional career.
Draft Context
- Deadline to declare: Friday at 11:59 p.m. ET
- Withdrawal deadline: Early-entry players can withdraw until June 13
- Historical note: Dybantsa would be the first No. 1 overall pick from BYU. Two Cougars — Mel Hutchins and Shawn Bradley — have been selected second overall.
If selected first, Dybantsa would cap a rise that began with him being one of the most highly-touted high school prospects in the country, followed by a freshman season that exceeded even those lofty expectations.