AJ Dybantsa

Draft Notes

AJ was one of the top prospects in the 2025 recruiting class and had a monster freshman season for BYU. He looks the part of an elite prospect and future NBA superstar.

A big wing with an advanced frame for his age he clearly passes the eye test on the court. He’s a lethal offensive player who scores inside and out and can take over games.

He’s got a ton of quickness and shake n bake moves for a player his size and just overall an elite physical profile and ability. Knows how to play with pace, change speeds and explode into the lane. Has a great first step and can overpower defenders on his way to the rim.

Has solid passing instincts and feel for the game and is an on-the-ball player who can initiate the offense.

AJ has all the confidence in the world and knows he’s the man on the court. He’s a clutch shot taker and maker who doesn’t back down from challenges.

He plays with awesome competitive fire, which really shows up on the defensive end. He can pick up full court, pressure smaller guards and defend up and down the line-up. He’s also a solid rebounder, especially on the offensive glass.

He does have moments where his defensive awareness seems to lapse and he’s not always as aware off the ball as you’d like. He’s also not a big steals and blocks guy, which is a little confusing considering his athletic traits.

One area of his game that has significant room for improvement is his the consistency of his outside shot. He can hit difficult 3’s and is a capable outside shooter but at this point he’s not efficient from beyond the arc and can have some really cold stretches of shooting.

Overall he’s an elite talent who has a chance to be a special player and a future cornerstone of a NBA franchise.

Comparisons

• A jumbo-sized RJ Barrett
• T Mac

Draft Projection

Top 2 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft

2026 SF Rankings

1. AJ Dybantsa – 6-9 – BYU
2. Karim Lopez – 6-8 – NZ Breakers, NBL (Mexico)
3. Nate Ament – 6-9 – Tennessee
4. Dailyn Swain – 6-8 – Texas
5. Baba Miller – 6-11 – Cincinnati (Spain)
6. Keyshawn Hall – 6-7 – Auburn
7. Isaiah Evans – 6-7 – Duke
8. Alex Karaban – 6-8 – UConn
9. Nick Martinelli – 6-7 – Northwestern
10. Dillon Mitchell – 6-7 – St. John’s
11. Vesvolod Ishchenko – 6-8 – Russia
12. Aaron Nkrumah – 6-5 – Tennessee State
13. Darrion Williams – 6-6 – NC State
14. Jaden Henley – 6-7 – Grand Canyon
15. Tucker DeVries – 6-7 – Indiana
16. Tobias Jenson – 6-6 – Ratiopharm Ulm
17. Tyon Grant-Foster – 6-7 – Gonzaga
18. Chad Baker-Mazara – 6-7 – USC
19. Tre White – 6-6 – Kansas
20. Cade Tyson – 6-7 – Minnesota