Brockton, Massachusetts – BYU standout AJ Dybantsa has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, positioning himself as a leading candidate to be selected with the first overall pick. The announcement came Thursday at the Davis School in his hometown, where Dybantsa addressed media and confirmed his decision to forgo remaining college eligibility despite planning to complete his degree online.
“Now the work starts again, all over again,” Dybantsa said. “I’ve had a lot of NBA players tell me that it kind of restarts once you obtain there. I’m just looking forward to that next step, being a rookie and learning from all the vets.”
The 6-foot-9 forward concluded his lone college season by leading the nation in scoring at 25.5 points per game, while also averaging 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per contest. He shot 51 percent from the field and helped BYU achieve a 23-12 record, including an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Dybantsa’s statistical profile places him in rare company. He became the first player since Larry Bird in 1978-79 to average at least 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in a single season while earning consensus All-American honors. His season included multiple 40-point performances, including a Big 12 Tournament debut where he scored 40 points against Kansas State — breaking Kevin Durant’s record for most points by a freshman in tournament history.
In his final game at BYU, Dybantsa recorded his first and only college double-double with 35 points and 10 rebounds. That 35-point effort in the NCAA Tournament ranked as the third-highest by a freshman in tournament history, trailing only Darius Acuff Jr. (36) and De’Aaron Fox (39).
Despite being widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick, Dybantsa emphasized that the draft process remains competitive. “The top of the draft remains unsettled,” he noted, acknowledging other top prospects such as Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, who are also expected to be selected in the top four.
An important aspect of Dybantsa’s decision is his commitment to academics. He confirmed that he will remain enrolled at BYU and pursue a mass communications degree through online coursework, fulfilling a promise to his mother. “My mom wanted me to stay in college to graduate,” Dybantsa said. “But I told my mother that I’m going to declare for the draft and also finish and get my degree online. I’ll probably finish within the next four years.”
The announcement aligns with the NBA Draft Lottery scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2026, which will be broadcast live on ABC at 3 p.m. ET. The lottery will determine the draft order for the 14 teams that did not create the playoffs, with the top pick going to the winner of the random selection process.
Dybantsa’s declaration adds to what is already regarded as one of the most talented draft classes in recent memory. Alongside him, players like Boozer, Peterson, and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson are expected to be selected early, creating significant intrigue around how teams will evaluate their options.
Scouts and analysts have praised Dybantsa’s combination of scoring ability, rebounding instincts, and playmaking vision. His capacity to create his own shot, crash the boards, and facilitate for teammates has drawn comparisons to versatile forwards who can impact winning in multiple ways.
While his offensive production has been the most visible part of his game, Dybantsa also demonstrated defensive awareness and positional versatility throughout the season. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute in transition play further enhanced his appeal to NBA teams seeking modern, multi-skilled forwards.
The decision to declare for the draft after just one season continues a trend of elite freshmen testing the NBA waters early. But, Dybantsa stands out due to the historical nature of his statistical season and the near-unanimous consensus around his draft status.
As the countdown to the NBA Draft begins, all eyes will be on how Dybantsa’s game translates to the professional level. His work ethic, maturity, and stated desire to learn from veterans suggest a mindset geared toward long-term development rather than immediate stardom.
For now, Dybantsa remains focused on finishing his academic responsibilities while preparing for the next chapter in his basketball journey. The combination of athletic excellence and educational commitment reflects a balanced approach that could define his early NBA career.
The 2026 NBA Draft will take place later this summer, with the exact date yet to be finalized by the league. Until then, Dybantsa will continue training and preparing for the opportunity to begin his professional career, carrying with him the expectations of being a potential franchise-altering talent.
Stay tuned to Archysport for ongoing coverage of AJ Dybantsa’s draft process and updates as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches.
