Top prospect AJ Dybantsa enters 2026 NBA draft
aj-dybantsa-declares-2026-nba-draft
Brockton, Mass. — April 23, 2026 — BYU standout AJ Dybantsa, widely projected as the No. 1 selection in this year’s NBA draft, announced his decision to turn professional in a YouTube video released Thursday.
The 6-foot-8 guard opened the clip by reading a letter he penned at age seven about becoming a basketball player, then closed with, “See y’all on draft night.”
Dybantsa led Division I in scoring this season and propelled BYU to the NCAA tournament after teammate Richie Saunders was lost to a season-ending injury in January. ESPN ranks him as the draft’s top prospect, with Kansas star Darryn Peterson viewed as his primary challenger for the No. 1 spot.
During the regular season the junior hinted he might stay in school another year to fulfill his mother’s wish that he graduate, but ultimately chose to enter the draft.
The decision was reinforced at a hometown press conference at Edgar B. Davis Community School, the elementary campus he once attended in Brockton. “Even if you’re not a famous actor or athlete, you can still do great things with education,” he told reporters, adding that he hopes to match the renown of fellow Brockton natives and boxing Hall of Famers Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler.
Asked about potential NBA destinations, Dybantsa said, “Whatever team drafts me.” The Utah Jazz, located roughly an hour from BYU’s Provo campus, could secure the top pick depending on the lottery results.
“I’ve had a lot of NBA players tell me that it really starts when you get there,” he said. “I’m looking forward to just being a rookie.”
Source: ESPN
