AJ Dybantsa, the 19-year-old BYU star and consensus top NBA draft prospect, will hear his name called in the first round of Tuesday night’s draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The moment marks the culmination of a decade-long journey from a Massachusetts youth league to the brink of NBA stardom, with the Washington Wizards holding the No. 1 pick and the Utah Jazz eyeing the No. 2 spot as the most likely landing destinations. His freshman season at BYU—where he led the nation in scoring (25.5 points per game) and shattered school records—has cemented his status as the most coveted prospect in a loaded draft class, though questions linger over his defensive development and three-point shooting.
Why Dybantsa’s Draft Stock Outweighs Darryn Peterson’s
Dybantsa’s path to the top of the draft board has been less about raw athleticism and more about his ability to dominate the paint with a rare blend of size (6-foot-9), skill, and efficiency. According to The New York Times, his 51% shooting from the field—while averaging 25.5 points per game—makes him just the fifth college player in the last 40 years to achieve that dual feat. That consistency, combined with his 69% shooting at the rim and 296 free-throw attempts (a national lead), aligns perfectly with the Wizards’ need for a physical, high-volume scorer. “He’s a dynamic young big man with the talent and charisma to make the city remember it’s a basketball town first,” the Times noted, framing his selection as a long-term investment in Washington’s rebuild.
Yet the Wizards aren’t the only team with their eyes locked on Dybantsa. The Utah Jazz, who drafted him as a high school senior at Utah Prep, see him as the ideal fit for their system. “If Peterson is off the board, Dybantsa would be the most logical pick at No. 2,” said analyst Salerno, adding that his positional size, footwork, and competitiveness make him a rare scoring prospect. The Jazz’s vision for a homegrown star—one who could replicate the trajectory of players like Donovan Mitchell—finds its centerpiece in Dybantsa’s arrival. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies, who hold the No. 3 pick, have also signaled interest, with analyst Harper calling him “the best player in the class” and praising his ability to provide a clear timeline for their rebuild.
The only real competition comes from Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, whose body-cramping issues during preseason workouts have raised doubts about his readiness. While Peterson boasts elite athleticism and playmaking ability, Dybantsa’s combination of scoring dominance, size, and immediate offensive impact gives him the edge in mock drafts. As analyst Sweeney put it: “His intensity and scoring instincts align with the types of players Washington’s leadership have coveted in recent years.” The Wizards’ front office, which has monitored Dybantsa’s development closely, appears poised to take the leap on a prospect who could become the franchise’s cornerstone.
BYU’s Dual Draft Windfall: Saunders’ Unexpected Path
For the first time since 1984, BYU could send two players to the NBA draft, with Richie Saunders—who suffered a season-ending ACL tear in February—emerging as a late-round surprise. Saunders, a hard-nosed wing with a quick-trigger jumper and a reputation for hustle, was never projected as a first-round talent. But his injury, which ended his college career prematurely, has shifted his narrative. “A torn ACL ended Richie Saunders’ career at BYU,” analyst Wasserman noted, adding that his shooting ability and age (he’ll turn 25 by season’s start) make him an intriguing second-round option for a team in need of a floor-spacer.
For more on this story, see 2026 NBA Draft Projections: Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa Lead Top Picks.
Saunders’ draft stock hinges on his ability to translate his college production—a 6-foot-7 wing who averaged 12.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game—into the NBA. His lack of elite athleticism and recovery from a major knee injury are liabilities, but his shooting percentage (42% from three in college) and basketball IQ could earn him a shot with a team that values three-and-D role players. The Deseret News projects him to go in the top half of the second round, where teams might see him as a high-upside gamble rather than a guaranteed contributor.
What’s Next: The Wizards’ Rebuild and Dybantsa’s Upside
The Wizards’ decision on Tuesday will hinge on two key questions: Can Dybantsa’s offensive skills translate into NBA dominance, and will his defensive deficiencies hold him back? His 2025-26 season at BYU—where he averaged nearly nine free-throw attempts per game—shows he thrives in high-volume scoring situations, a trait that could make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. However, his defensive versatility remains unproven. “His upside will be determined by whether he can become a knockdown 3-point shooter, as well as a more impactful defender,” analyst O’Connor warned, adding that even with those areas for improvement, Dybantsa possesses an MVP ceiling.
If the Wizards take Dybantsa, they’ll pair him with veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis, creating a frontcourt with elite scoring and playmaking. The Jazz, meanwhile, would fulfill their long-held desire for a homegrown star who could anchor their rebuild. For Dybantsa, the challenge will be adjusting to the NBA’s physicality and expanding his skill set beyond the rim. His ability to develop as a facilitator—evidenced by his nine-assist, 10-rebound performance in a key win over Iowa State—suggests he has the basketball IQ to adapt. But his draft stock hinges on whether he can become a true two-way player or remain a one-dimensional scorer.
Regardless of where he lands, Dybantsa’s arrival marks the end of an era for BYU basketball. His decision to play for Kevin Young over a Power Five program has already elevated the Cougars’ national profile, and his NBA success could turn Provo into a pipeline for elite talent. For the Wizards, Jazz, or Grizzlies, the gamble on Dybantsa isn’t just about drafting a star—it’s about betting on a franchise-altering talent who could redefine their future.
A Timeline: How Dybantsa’s Draft Journey Unfolded
- 2019: At age 12, Dybantsa moves from Massachusetts to California to refine his game at a top prep school.
- 2021: Transfers to Utah Prep Academy, where his high school dominance earns him a top-10 ranking in the 2023 class.
- 2023: Signs with BYU, choosing Kevin Young’s program over Power Five offers, aiming to maximize his draft stock.
- 2024-25: Leads BYU to a historic freshman season—25.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.7 APG—while setting school records.
- 2026: Declares for the NBA draft, with mock drafts overwhelmingly projecting him as the No. 1 pick.
The draft marks the culmination of a decade-long pursuit of NBA glory, but for Dybantsa, the real work begins Tuesday night. Whether he becomes the cornerstone of a championship contender or a bust with untapped potential, his draft selection will be remembered as the moment a small-school star redefined the landscape of modern basketball.
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