Is AJ Dybantsa the No. 1 Pick? Here's What Our Latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft Says
Hype had been building around AJ Dybantsa for years before his arrival at BYU. Viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick preseason, he wound up exceeding expectations to lead the nation in scoring while showing growth in other areas of his game.
A surprising Round 1 exit from the 2026 NCAA Tournament won't be a deal-breaker for teams that view him as the top prospect.
Of the perceived Big Three in our Mock Draft, which includes Duke's Cameron Boozer and Kansas' Darryn Peterson, Dybantsa seems to have the fewest question marks.
Between the uptick in three-point volume, his mid-range shotmaking skill, improving playmaking and impressive efficiency, concerns over his shooting and shot selection have faded as the year has gone on.
Every NBA front office now figures to have certain staff members who believe Dybantsa is No. 1 and a surefire perennial All-Star wing to build around.
Essential Facts and Stats
College: BYU | Position: SF | Height: 6'9" | Weight: ~210 lbs | Age: 19 | PPG: 25.3 | RPG: 6.7 | APG: 3.8 | BPG: 0.4 | SPG: 1.1 | FG%: 51.3 | 3PT%: 34.0
Latest Mock Position
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No. 1
Realistic Draft Range: Top 3
Dybantsa has moved to No. 1 on our 2026 NBA Mock Draft after starting the year No. 3.
He'd have started No. 1 in most draft classes, but scouts initially preferred Darryn Peterson's shooting, defense and off-ball versatility.
Also, there is a loyal Cameron Boozer crowd, which refuses to bet against his intangibles and constant winning.
Right now, though, Dybantsa looks like the safest choice at No. 1 after a mixed season from Peterson and questions about the upside of a 6'9" forward with Boozer's athletic and defensive limitations.
Dybantsa also figures to fit with every lineup due to his tools and skill set. It all sets him up to potentially play any positions between shooting guard and small forward at the pro level.
Realistic Pro Comparison: Jaylen Brown
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Dybantsa is further along at the same age as Brown, but they share similar physical/athletic traits and shot diets.
These are powerful wings that can explode to the rim, score through contact and draw fouls. They're also advanced shotmakers from all levels, even if their three-point percentages don't jump off the page.
With a similar scoring skill set to Brown that creates No. 1 option featured touches, Dybantsa will pose more of a mismatch at 6'9".
Strengths
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Strength 1: Physical tools/athleticism
At 6'9" with broad shoulders, clear length, agility and bounce, Dybantsa has a physical advantage against practically every defender he matches up against. It mostly shows on transition and drives, where he takes long strides, plays through contact, sidesteps into gaps and elevates above the rim for easy baskets.
Strength 2: Self-creation
Dybantsa has advanced footwork with the ball, both getting into go-to moves and counters for creating separation.
Strength 3: Shotmaking
His signature method for scoring is rising up into his mid-range fallaway jumper. With a high release point and unteachable rhythm, he's really a threat to knock down any jumper, specifically those that are self-created.
Strength 4: Playmaking potential
Offenses can fully run through Dybantsa, as he's become a better decision-maker, sees the floor and uses his gravity to set up teammates. He's a willing passer with good feel, particularly throwing lobs in ball-screen situations.
Weaknesses
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Weakness 1: Defensive impact
Despite outstanding defensive tools, his off-ball awareness and lateral quickness against smaller guards was exposed at different points. He also finished with some of the lowest steal and block rates among non-center prospects in the draft.
Weakness 2: Three-point range
Dybantsa isn't a high-volume three-point shooter, mostly due to his ability to create inside the arc and preference for rising up around the key.
Weakness 3: Off-ball skill set
Dybantsa had a massive usage at BYU with offense running heavily through him. He doesn't currently offer a lot of off-ball value, as he didn't cut, run off screens or shoot well off the catch.
