AJ Dybantsa, the top-ranked player in the 2025 ESPN 100 freshman class, has been tracked by NBA evaluators for years.
At 6-foot-9 and 210 pounds, the wing has long looked the part of a future star, pairing elite physical tools with polish well beyond his age.
That reputation has only strengthened during his standout freshman season at Brigham Young University, where he has immediately become one of the most impactful players in college basketball.
Despite having his pick of programs, Dybantsa chose BYU, a move that surprised some but has proven to be a seamless fit.
Head coach Kevin Young brings NBA-level offensive concepts, and the program’s resources allow Dybantsa to play freely and aggressively.
As the season has progressed, the pairing has looked ideal. The top-ranked wing prospect scores efficiently, rebounds his position well, and has shown real growth as a passer when surrounded by shooting.
His defensive improvement has stood out just as much as his offense. BYU is now focused on closing strong in the Big 12 and positioning itself for a deep postseason run, while Dybantsa continues building momentum toward the next level.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa is firmly in the conversation for the No. 1 pick, alongside elite prospects like Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer.
Both have compelling cases, but there’s a growing sense that passing on the player could be a costly mistake.
His upside is obvious, but what truly separates Dybantsa is how high his floor appears to be. Borrowing from Michael Jordan’s famous phrase, his ceiling may be the roof, but his baseline already sits far above most prospects.
He attacks the rim with force, draws fouls at a high rate, and has a reliable midrange package, even as his three-point shot continues to develop.
Defensively, early concerns have faded as his awareness and versatility have improved. He’s moving better laterally, filling the stat sheet more consistently, and showing signs that he can guard multiple positions.
Some comparisons have ranged from a more athletic Julius Randle to a jumbo-sized Jaylen Brown, but regardless of the label, the takeaway is the same.
Right now, Dybantsa looks like an NBA player temporarily stationed in college basketball. There are details to refine, but the combination of body, skill, and work ethic is rare.
NBA Draft Report: AJ Dybantsa Of BYU (@BettingOnX on how you don’t often see prospects with NBA-ready bodies, three-level scoring ability, and a willingness to work hard to improve) https://t.co/OuizP2yI42
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 13, 2026
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