2026 Prospect Spotlight -- AJ Dybantsa

[Jamaaliver]

AJ Dybantsa | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | BYU

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Most scouts see Dybantsa, Peterson and Boozer in the same top tier, but my conversations seem to reveal a preseason consensus around Peterson at No. 1, Dybantsa at No. 2 and Boozer at No. 3. Not everyone has them ranked the same way — I have Boozer at No. 2 and Dybantsa at No. 3 entering the season — but this mock draft reflects the most popular ranking among the dozens of scouts I’ve spoken with.

Dybantsa might have better physical tools entering his pre-draft year than any wing I’ve seen in a while. His ability to play with serious bend mixed with explosiveness allows him to consistently get into the teeth of the defense as a straight-line driver. In transition, he’s an absolute menace. His nose for the foul line is second to none in this class with his polished footwork and gathers. Dybantsa is going to score a lot this year at BYU.

However, the rest of his game is a bit unpolished. His jumper clearly needs work, and his handle can be an impediment. Defensively, he looked a bit lost in BYU’s preseason opener against Nebraska. Then again, he also dropped 30 in that game and showcased all the tools that have made scouts so excited by him over the last three years. The hype is worthwhile for Dybantsa.

The Athletic

[Jamaaliver]

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[HMFFL]

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His movement at times reminds me of Jordan.

[Jamaaliver]

I'm actively skeptical of this kid's ability to adjust to NBA defenses.

His entire offensive arsenal seems built around driving into the lane and finishing at the rim with two hands.

Will that continue to be as effective against grown men and true 7 footers?

Spoiler:

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[Jamaaliver]

I'm actively skeptical of this kid's ability to adjust to NBA defenses.

His entire offensive arsenal seems built around driving into the lane and finishing at the rim with two hands.

Will that continue to be as effective against grown men and true 7 footers? :dontknow

There is a growing divide on NBA Draft Twitter regarding AJ's shot diet and ability to make bad shots.
(I'm relieved that my skepticism is shared by other unbiased observers.)

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[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

AJ's gonna need to some serious player development to adjust his game to the modern NBA:

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[King Ken]

Frankie is 100% delusional on AJ like some of the haters for Boozer. All three look like potential cornerstones.

[HMFFL]

Clemson 43, BYU 22 at the half.

BYU 45, Clemson 21 in the second half.

67-64 BYU victory lead by AJ. Keba inside with the shotblocks and defense.

[atlantabbq99]

I re watched a couple of AJ's most recent games. AJ is better than Flagg. More athletic, bigger, better guard skills, better shooter, but what really annoys me about Dybantsa is that he has like zero interest in defense. With his natural ability, he could be Jimmy Butler or Kawahi on defense, but he chooses not to.

[Jamaaliver]

AJ is going to be an All Time Great sorer.

It's the other facets of the game (playmaking, defense, shooting, rebounding) that will determine his ultimate value...

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[Jamaaliver]

Would be an immediate upgrade at SF...but probably a worse fit as he occupies so much of the same space on the court as JJ.

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[Jamaaliver]

He looks like a star...

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