AJ Dybantsa, projected as the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, left his future uncertain in a recent podcast, according to USA Today.
Speaking with McKay Coppins via Desert Voices, Dybantsa said, “I might not leave … I might not leave college … I’ve just got to get to the end of the season … My mom wants me to graduate … I might not leave … But I might leave … The fans might get into my head, talk about one more year, maybe three more years. I don’t know. But I’m going to have to talk to my mom.”
The Brigham Young freshman leads NCAA Division I in scoring, averaging 24.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game over 30 contests. He has shot 52.1% from the field and 75.5% from the free-throw line while playing 34 minutes per game.
Dybantsa’s production also includes 6.4 offensive rebounds and 8.4 defensive rebounds per contest. His versatility and high motor have made him a standout prospect despite being just a freshman.
He was named MVP of the FIBA U19 World Cup after leading Team USA to a gold medal, demonstrating his ability to perform on the international stage. NBA scouts view him as an elite two-way player with advanced shot creation skills.
Multiple mock drafts list Sacramento and Indiana as potential landing spots for Dybantsa if he enters the draft. However, other top prospects like Darryn Peterson of Kansas and Cameron Boozer of Duke remain strong competitors for the No. 1 pick.
The 2026 NBA Draft, set for June 24–25, carries significant value for the top selection, with executives estimating the No. 1 pick at $100 million due to the depth of the class. Dybantsa’s decision to stay in college could shift the draft order significantly.
