AJ Dybantsa, the dynamic basketball prodigy who recently committed to BYU, is widely regarded as the top candidate for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
At just 6-foot-8 1/2 in socks with a 7-1 wingspan, Dybantsa’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has placed him in elite company among young prospects. His rare physical tools and versatility are precisely what NBA teams covet in today’s game.
“He’s what the NBA is looking for,” said an NBA front-office executive, speaking anonymously to share candid insights. “Wings with legitimate size that understand the game, can create offense and then, in theory, can guard multiple guys.”
Dybantsa’s father, Ace Dybantsa, revealed that his son had grown another half an inch since the start of the year, reflecting his continuing physical development.
His natural gifts, paired with a relentless drive, have positioned him as a can’t-miss talent. Beyond his physical attributes, those who work closely with Dybantsa are quick to praise his maturity and personality.
“AJ is the total package on and off the floor,” said Ryan Bernardi, his coach at Prolific Prep. “He is extremely respectful, he’s charismatic, great personality. … I believe these traits were instilled in him by his parents.”
Bernardi highlighted how the future star’s upbringing and strong family support have contributed to his grounded nature and team-oriented mentality, traits that will serve him well in his journey toward the NBA.
Unlike many top prospects of the past, Dybantsa is already experiencing the financial rewards of his talent through groundbreaking opportunities at the amateur level.
He has signed a $600,000 deal with Utah Prep that includes an ownership stake, and other elite programs, such as Montverde Academy in Florida, reportedly offered even larger sums, with one offer reaching $1 million. However, Dybantsa insists that money is not his primary focus.
“People just gonna talk, but I (didn’t) even know how much I’m getting. They just tell my dad all of that,” Dybantsa said.
“I’m trying to make it to the NBA, so wherever they can get me the fastest there with the best development, there’s a whole lot of pillars that come with it. Money’s going to come if I do the work, so I’m not worried about the money in a year.”
This level-headed approach is evident in Dybantsa’s relentless work ethic and commitment to self-improvement. He has earned a reputation for being singularly focused on basketball and academics, traits that have become hallmarks of his journey.
Over the summer, while most players adhered to a standard two-a-day workout routine, Dybantsa pushed himself further, completing three intense workouts per day to refine his skills and conditioning.
His focus, coupled with his unique skill set, has drawn comparisons to some of the NBA’s current stars. Scouts praise his ability to create his shot, play effectively on both ends of the court, and adapt to different roles within a team structure.
As the 2026 NBA Draft nears, the player will continue developing with support from his coaches and family, using BYU as a key step. His physical skills, focus, and work ethic position him as the likely No. 1 pick.
AJ Dybantsa Profiles As Big Wing 'The NBA Is Looking For' https://t.co/CX8juVyTJJ
— RealGM (@RealGM) December 24, 2024
