BYU's Dybantsa declares for 2026 NBA Draft
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa announced Thursday that he's declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft.
The freshman phenom is projected to be in consideration for the No. 1 overall pick following his impressive collegiate campaign.
The 19-year-old led the nation in scoring with 25.5 points per game while averaging 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals.
Dybantsa said he planned to speak with his family and make a decision on his future following BYU's 79-71 loss to Texas in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cougars star scored 35 points and hauled in 10 rebounds in the defeat.
The Boston native scored at least 20 points in 28 games. That's the second-most games in a season with that level of production in Big 12 history behind Kevin Durant's 30 contests in 2006-07, according to ESPN's Ryan McFadden.
BYU head coach Kevin Young expressed gratitude for being involved in Dybantsa's basketball journey.
"I think I'll look back in 20 years and just have a lot of joy (knowing) that I was able to be a part of his story," Young said in March, per McFadden.
Dybantsa is in line to become the second BYU player selected in the top 10 in consecutive drafts after the Brooklyn Nets picked Egor Demin eighth overall in 2025.
The NBA draft lottery takes place May 10. The draft will be held June 23 and 24 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, and Nets each have a 14% chance to land the No. 1 selection.