2026 NBA Draft: BYU star AJ Dybantsa declares as potential No. 1 overall pick

AJ Dybantsa has declared for the 2026 NBA DraftI’ve announced Thursday. The choice comes after the BYU standout produced among the finest scoring seasons by a one-and-done prospect in school basketball historical past. The 6-foot-9 ahead is the projected No. 1 overall pick on this summer time’s draft and departs BYU after incomes first-team All-American honors from CBS Sports.

Dybantsa completed the 2025-26 marketing campaign averaging 25.5 factors, 6.8 rebounds and three.7 assists whereas capturing 51% from the ground. He led the nation in scoring and helped BYU to a 23-12 file. He led the Cougars to the NCAA Tournament, where they lost in the first round to Texas.

Dybantsa produced loads of memorable moments throughout his lone season with the Cougars. In his Big 12 Tournament debut, he scored 40 factors in a win over Kansas State, breaking Kevin Durant’s file for many factors by a freshman in event historical past. That efficiency marked his second outing with at the least 40 factors.

In his ultimate recreation at BYU, he recorded his first and solely school double-double with 35 factors and 10 rebounds. The 35 factors are the third most by a freshman in NCAA Tournament historical past, behind Darius Acuff Jr. (36) and De’Aaron Fox (39).

While Dybantsa is at present the favourite to go No. 1 this summer time, the highest of the draft stays unsettled. Other contenders embody Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson. North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson additionally tasks as a top-four pick.

AJ Dybantsa’s NBA Draft projection

Dybantsa ranks No. 1 within the 2026 CBS Sports NBA Draft Prospect Rankings. CBS Sports draft analyst Adam Finkelstein referred to Dybantsa as a ahead with “elite physical tools.”

“Dybantsa finishes his college career as the odds on favorite to be the number one overall pick,” Finkelstein wrote. “He’s a jumbo wing who is 6-foot-9 with a better than 7-foot wingspan. He’s athletic with an elastic body type, capable of creating his own shot at virtually any point, and the leading scorer in college basketball. He’s simultaneously made notable gains with his passing, finishing through contact at the rim, and even his three-point shooting.”

The NBA Draft Lottery will happen on May 10, which ought to paint a clearer image of who will go No. 1 this summer time. The Wizards, Pacers and Nets have the very best odds equally (14%) to earn the No. 1 overall pick, adopted by the Jazz and Kings (11.5%).

Impact on BYU

Since BYU coach Kevin Young took over within the 2024 offseason, he has helped land elite recruiting courses. Last summer time, BYU noticed Egor Dёmin go No. 8 overall to the Nets, which was the second-highest choice in program historical past. Shawn Bradley (1993) and Mel Hutchins (1951) each have been drafted No. 2 overall. There’s a powerful chance Dybantsa may very well be the primary No. 1 overall pick in program historical past.

With Dybantsa and Richie Saunders departing this system this offseason, BYU should substitute two of its prime scorers. Star guard Robert Wright III entered the switch portal however elected to return to high school after visiting Kentucky. BYU may also welcome five-star ahead Bruce Branch III subsequent season, who may very well be a potential lottery pick in 2027.

Additionally, BYU added three gamers through the switch portal: Collin Chandler (Kentucky), Tyler Betsey (Syracuse) and Jake Wahlin (Clemson). Chandler initially signed with BYU out of highschool however adopted Mark Pope from BYU to Kentucky after finishing his LDS mission. Chandler was Kentucky’s prime 3-point shooter this previous season and will have an expanded position at BYU.