AJ Dybantsa<\/p>\n
Wing | BYU<\/p>\n
Height: 6’9″ | Weight: 210 lbs<\/p>\n
2026 Draft Age: 19.39<\/p>\n
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Utah Prep’s AJ Dybantsa, of Brockton, during a game vs. Montverde Academy the HoopHall Classic at Springfield College on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. \/ Jason Snow \/ The Enterprise \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Many of the dynamic wing prospects who make their way to the NBA predicate their games on pure athleticism and elite physical traits. AJ Dybantsa has both of those things, but he also brings potentially generational skill and talent to go with it. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan, he’s the perfect size for an alpha number one option jumbo wing in today\u2019s NBA. He gets it done on both ends.<\/p>\n
What makes him unique is his ability to be slippery and elusive with the ball in his hands at his size. The incoming BYU freshman has moves that allow him to create advantages against the defense, but at the same time, he\u2019s incredibly explosive and can use pure physical tools to get to his spots and finish with power. That combination has been the reason he\u2019s dominated at every level to this point. While this season in Provo will be a noticeable jump in competition, there\u2019s every reason to believe he will be a standout in the Big 12 at just 18 years old.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s one of three players in this class with a legitimate shot at going No. 1 overall. This is a unique draft class where there isn\u2019t one clear prospect already penciled in as the top pick a year out. Dybantsa is very different from the other two contenders, Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson, given that he’s more of a wing, while Peterson is a guard and Boozer is a forward. <\/p>\n
Offensively, what jumps off the page is his ability to dominate the midrange. The versatile wing is a pure scorer who can rise up and pull over anybody defending him. Add in his ball-handling skills and athleticism, and he can manipulate his primary defender to score at will. He\u2019s aggressive, he doesn\u2019t shy away from getting to his spots and he has the mentality of a true alpha. He takes and makes extremely advanced shots because he\u2019s confident in himself and in the package of moves he\u2019s built.<\/p>\n
Where Dybantsa really shines is in transition. He covers ground quickly, moves with explosion and can finish lobs or dunk on anybody in his path. That ability to cover space translates defensively as well. He moves well laterally and has the length and mobility to guard multiple positions. Right now, he\u2019s somewhat slender, but adding strength will only expand his defensive versatility. In a few years, there\u2019s a world where he can guard four positions at the NBA level. He\u2019s disruptive, makes plays on that end and has the motor and contagious energy you want in a defensive playmaker.<\/p>\n
When it comes to areas of weakness, his 3-point shot is the one to watch. It\u2019s not necessarily a deficiency since his mechanics are sound and he\u2019s already a strong midrange scorer. But expanding that range consistently will take his game to another level. If Dybantsa can reliably knock down 3-pointers, his case to be the number one overall pick becomes even stronger. If he struggles in that area, it will be the primary question mark on draft night. Beyond that, the challenge will be proving that everything he\u2019s done translates at the college speed against better athletes, better defenses, and in faster-paced games.<\/p>\n
Even then, Dybantsa has already proven himself against elite competition. He\u2019s been a standout in FIBA tournaments, starred in the McDonald\u2019s All-American Game and was one of the best players at the Nike Hoop Summit. He\u2019s polished, but he also has massive upside. Everything points to him being the type of No. 1 overall pick a franchise can build around.<\/p>\n
Potential No. 1 Pick in 2026 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n
Want to know more about other potential 2026 NBA Draft prospects and where they might get selected? Check out our\u00a0Draft Digest Big Board<\/a>.<\/p>\n Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook<\/a> and follow us on Twitter<\/a> to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.<\/p>\n