2026 NBA Draft Scouting Report for AJ Dybantsa

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 wasn't a deal-breaker. And a strong Combine showing, which included a Combine-best unofficial vertical of 42", only helped his case.

Of the perceived Big Three, 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 faded as the season went on.

A.J. Dybantsa Highlights

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Essential Facts, Stats, Combine Measurements

College: BYU | Position: SF | Age: 19 | Height: 6'8.5" | Weight: 217 lbs | Wingspan: 7'0.5" | PPG: 25.3 | RPG: 6.7 | APG: 3.8 | BPG: 0.4 | SPG: 1.1 | FG%: 51.3 | 3PT%: 34.0

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.