The excitement surrounding upcoming NBA draft classes is at an all-time high, especially with the dynamic talents emerging from the current freshman class. Among them, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa has captured the spotlight as a potential first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. This article delves into Dybantsa’s prospects, his journey from Boston to Utah, and the key influences shaping his promising career.
AJ Dybantsa, a standout, has quickly become a household name among basketball enthusiasts and scouts alike. His unique blend of athleticism and skill set makes him a standout performer, drawing comparisons to both past and present NBA royalty. When asked who he identifies with most in terms of playing style, Dybantsa named the legendary Tracy McGrady. “When I first heard it, I didn’t really watch T-Mac film,” AJ said. “But when I went back and watched it, I was like, ‘Yeah, that kind of looks like me.’”
Recognizing the players who inspired him, Dybantsa credits Kevin Durant as his favorite. He recalls, “I watched a lot of people like LeBron, obviously Kobe, and Tatum and Brown because I’m from that area. Being from Brockton, you had to watch them.” Such a diverse set of role models reflects the multifaceted nature of his game, which combines scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess.
One of the pivotal figures in Dybantsa‘s life is his head coach, Kevin Young, who has brought a wealth of NBA experience to the BYU program. Young has worked alongside stars such as Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, and his mentorship is critical to AJ’s development. Young recently mentioned, “He reminds me a lot of that serious-minded focus that I saw in Devin Booker and the work ethic that I saw in Kevin Durant. He has that type of maturity. You know, he carries himself like he’s already been a pro for 10 years.”
With such high expectations on his shoulders, Dybantsa has taken notes from last year’s number one overall pick, Cooper Flagg, who faced similar pressure at Duke. “What I took away from Cooper’s experience is just playing team basketball. Even with all the expectations, he played the right way and helped his team get to the Final Four,” AJ recognized, indicating a mature understanding of the balance between personal achievement and team success.
Young also highlighted AJ’s physical attributes, citing his impressive height and length, along with exceptional skills that make him a versatile prospect. “The combination of physical tools, mind, and skill set is everything you would want in a prospect. It’s just very exciting when you forecast it to the NBA,” Young said, building the anticipation surrounding Deanza’s future.
The buzz doesn’t stop there, as recent mock drafts have suggested that AJ could be the top pick, thanks to his versatility and potential. “His ability to switch defensively and play multiple positions on the court adds a lot of value,” commented our insider, Sean Farnum, emphasizing Dybantsa elite shot-making capability and room for development, particularly regarding his three-point shooting.
As the college basketball season unfolds, fans are not just focused on Dybantsa. According to Farnum, there are several fresh faces in this class to watch. “Kingston Flemings from Houston has been outstanding, and Neil Avdadales is someone to keep an eye on as he rises through the ranks,” he mentioned. These newcomers, alongside AJ, contribute to what is shaping up to be a deep and talented 2026 draft class.
The NBA’s future looks bright, with potential stars like AJ leading the charge. As the season progresses, expect to hear more about the young talents who hope to make their mark on the league. For Dybantsa , the journey is just beginning, but his ambition and work ethic suggest it will be a remarkable one.
With exciting opportunities ahead, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, awaiting the moment he takes the leap to the NBA, as the young star from Boston continues to make waves in Utah.