Brigham Young Cougars star AJ Dybantsa is projected to be the number one pick of the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. Dybantsa is already a star in the making, averaging 24.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in the NCAA.
The basketball world is excited to see the explosive forward make his way into the big leagues this year. However, it seems Dybantsa has other ideas and may skip this year’s draft. After his shocking statement, the NBA world couldn’t help but share its thoughts on the situation.
AJ Dybantsa Might Opt to Finish College
Brigham Young Cougars’ Dybantsa has already made huge waves in the NCAA as a freshman. His talents are undeniable, and he looks good enough to keep up with some of the best in the NBA.
While every basketball player’s dream is to make it to the NBA, it seems Dybantsa would rather fulfill his mother’s dreams first. In a recent interview with the Cougars star, he revealed that he might skip this year’s draft and could potentially finish all four years of college.
This is mainly due to his mother’s wishes. Dybantsa mentioned that his mom would want him to secure a college degree in case his basketball career went south. That way, he wouldn’t have to struggle to find other career opportunities.
“I might not leave college,” Dybantsa said. “Because my mom wants me to graduate. Yeah, so I might not leave. But I might leave. … I’m going to have to talk to my mom. She wants me to get my degree. As a mom, she’s thinking post basketball, God forbid if anything happens to me, I should always have a backup plan.”
The NBA world couldn’t help but chime in on Dybantsa’s decision. Here’s what some of them had to say on X:
Sam Vecenie seems to be looking forward to seeing Dybantsa take on the college route: “My read on this is Dybantsa is just literally saying nothing has come out of his mouth on this topic of him actually leaving. But as I’ve referenced before, would be genuinely fascinated to see a prospect try to dictate his exact NBA landing spot due to the leverage NIL creates.”
My read on this is Dybantsa is just literally saying nothing has come out of his mouth on this topic of him actually leaving
But as I’ve referenced before, would be genuinely fascinated to see a prospect try to dictate his exact NBA landing spot due to the leverage NIL creates. https://t.co/GzPwxYz6qB
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) March 3, 2026
801 Bracketology doesn’t buy the idea of Dybantsa skipping the draft: “AJ, I’m sorry my man. You’re not fooling anyone with this 😂”
AJ (@AJ_Dybantsa), I’m sorry my man. You’re not fooling anyone with this 😂pic.twitter.com/GWivwLy1gS
— 🏀 801 Bracketology 🏀 (@801bracketology) March 3, 2026
Matthew Winick also doesn’t believe that Dybantsa will be skipping the draft this year: “Can we just not with this?? There is absolutely zero chance on planet earth AJ Dybantsa stays at BYU.”
Can we just not with this?? There is absolutely zero chance on planet earth AJ Dybantsa stays at BYU. https://t.co/VriLsfe3Yl
— Matthew Winick (@matthewwinick) March 3, 2026
Andy Bailey guarantees Dybantsa won’t skip the draft: “AJ Dybantsa is not passing up the NBA Draft.”
Cone then placed a bet to see whether or not Dybantsa would really skip the draft: “If AJ Dybantsa stays in college instead of declaring for the draft, I’ll give someone $57.90.”
Whatever the case may be, everything remains to be seen. While Dybantsa wants to fulfill his mother’s wishes, he also wants to enter the draft this year, if possible.
