AJ Dybantsa declares for NBA draft: How does he project at the next level?

After a remarkable freshman season at BYU, 19-year-old forward AJ Dybantsa officially announced that he will declare for the 2026 NBA Draft.

Dybantsa will turn pro as an early entry candidate after a successful and impressive one-and-done collegiate campaign. The former McDonald's All-American forward averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He is currently projected at No. 1 overall to the Washington Wizards in USA TODAY's latest mock draft.

Dybantsa led the NCAA in scoring and was named a consensus first-team collegiate All-American, also earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year and the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award.

During his sole appearance in March Madness, he scored 35 points with 10 rebounds. It was one of eight games in which he had at least 30 points, highlighted by a 43-point performance against in-rival Utah. Dybantsa also notched a 30-point triple double against Eastern Washington in December.

Dybantsa led the nation in unassisted points scored, per CBB Analytics, and is able to inject instant life in whichever NBA team selects him. While he is listed at 6-foot-9, the playmaking forward finished more of his possessions as the ball handler in pick and roll sets than any other play type.

He also scored efficiently as the ball handler in transition and one-on-one against his defender in isolation. All teams will have interest in such a talented offensive creator who also brings a solid frame.

No matter which team gets the pole position, it will highly consider Dybantsa when it is on the clock. Other candidates for No. 1 in this class include Duke forward Cameron Boozer and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson.

The NBA's draft lottery in Chicago is scheduled for May 10 with the Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz as the most likely teams to get the No. 1 overall pick. The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.