AJ Dybantsa, a highly touted prospect, has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft. Multiple reports suggest he is a leading contender for the number one overall selection. Dybantsa, who just completed his freshman season at BYU, averaged 25.5 points per game, leading the nation in scoring.
Despite the professional leap, Dybantsa stated he will continue his education at BYU, aiming to complete a degree in mass communications. This decision appears influenced by his mother's wishes for him to graduate. He also noted improvements in his decision-making abilities during his college tenure.
The declaration was made via a video announcement, with the NBA Draft Lottery on May 10th poised to be a significant marker for his draft position. Dybantsa expressed confidence about his future, hoping to address the press again in Massachusetts, home to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, once his playing career concludes.
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Dybantsa's collegiate achievements include being named a consensus first-team All-American, first-team All-Big 12, and receiving the Julius Erving Award as the nation's top small forward. He also broke Kevin Durant's Big 12 Tournament scoring record.
Other top prospects expected to contend for the top draft spots include Darryn Peterson (Kansas), Cameron Boozer (Duke), and Caleb Wilson (North Carolina). Dybantsa is recognized as the top-ranked prospect by prominent draft analysts from ESPN, The Athletic, and CBS Sports.
The 19-year-old athlete made his announcement at the Davis School in his hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts, a place he associated with his childhood dreams of playing professional basketball. He indicated he does not have a preferred NBA destination, stating he is eager to join "whatever team wants to draft me." Reports suggest Dybantsa has been working with a marketing company based in Paris.
