AJ Dybantsa, potential No. 1 pick, declares for NBA Draft after 1 season at BYU
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- BYU forward AJ Dybantsa officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, announcing his decision at his former high school in Brockton, Massachusetts, and is projected as a top-three pick, potentially number one overall.
- Dybantsa led the nation in scoring with 25.5 points per game, earning consensus All-America honors, first-team All-Big 12, and Big 12 Freshman of the Year, standing out for his consistent performance despite heavy defensive attention.
- Despite declaring for the draft, Dybantsa plans to remain enrolled at BYU to finish his degree in mass communications, honoring his mother's wish for him to graduate.
- While his offensive skills and playmaking have drawn praise, particularly his ability to score and create opportunities, NBA scouts note that defensive improvement will be key for his professional success.
- If selected first overall, Dybantsa would be BYU's first No. 1 NBA draft pick, with the draft declaration deadline for college players set for Friday at 11:59 p.m. ET, and the option to withdraw until June 13.
