AJ Dybantsa Talks Timeline for NBA Draft Decision After BYU's March Madness Upset Loss to Texas
Now that his freshman season at BYU is officially over, AJ Dybantsa intends to take some time before deciding if he will declare for the 2026 NBA draft.
Speaking to reporters after Thursday's 79-71 loss to Texas in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Dybantsa said his draft decision will come in the "next couple of weeks" after he talks things over with his family.
"My mom, mostly. She's kind of the big boss," he added. "Just talk to her and see what she says."
If Thursday ends up being the final game of Dybantsa's college career, he went out very strong. The freshman phenom played all 40 minutes, finishing with 35 points and 10 rebounds.
It would be a huge shock if Dybantsa doesn't declare for the draft. He is widely believed to be one of the top three prospects in the 2026 class, along with Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer.
B/R's Jonathan Wasserman projected Dybantsa to be the No. 1 pick to the Sacramento Kings in his latest mock draft released on Tuesday.
"He leads the nation in scoring on an ultra efficient 60.2 percent true shooting for a freshman wing," Wasserman wrote of Dybantsa. "His assist percentage is more than double Peterson's. And he's increased his three-point volume as of late while converting 52.9 percent of his mid-range jumpers."
BYU head coach Kevin Young put a lot on Dybantsa's shoulders this season. The 19-year-old played 40 minutes six times and at least 35 minutes 19 times in 35 starts.
Dybantsa led the nation in scoring average with 25.5 points per game, while shooting 51.0 percent from the field. He was exactly as advertised when he committed to BYU as the No. 2 prospect in the 2025 recruiting class.
