PROVO, Utah — AJ Dybantsa, the breakout freshman forward who has electrified Brigham Young University this season, offered an unusually bold prediction about his professional future on Monday.
Speaking with reporters after practice, the 18-year-old told the media he is “100 percent sure” he will be selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. “I’m going first,” Dybantsa said. “I know it, and the league knows it.”
The declaration came less than a week after several mock drafts began projecting the 6-foot-8 phenom at the top of next year’s board. NBA scouts have been a regular presence at the Marriott Center, where Dybantsa is averaging 22.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 38 percent from three-point range.
Unshaken confidence
When pressed on why he felt so certain, Dybantsa pointed to what he called his “complete” game and rapid improvement since arriving in Provo. “I’m only scratching the surface,” he said. “By the time the draft comes around, there won’t be any doubt left.”
The freshman added that he has not hired an agent and remains focused on BYU’s push toward the NCAA Tournament, but he made it clear that testing the draft process is already on his mind. Under NCAA rules, a player can declare for the draft and still retain college eligibility if he withdraws by the league’s deadline and refrains from signing with a representative.
Coach’s reaction
Cougars head coach Mark Pope took a measured tone when asked about his star’s remarks. “AJ is a confident young man,” Pope said. “Right now our priority is finishing the season strong. The NBA conversations will sort themselves out when the time is right.”
Dybantsa’s confidence drew mixed responses on social media, with some observers praising his self-belief and others questioning the wisdom of such a public guarantee. Either way, NBA front-office personnel will continue to monitor his play as BYU enters the stretch run of conference play.
Source: New York Post
