The 2025–26 NBA season is in the climax as the teams are locked in fierce first-round battles. But front offices and fans alike are already looking ahead to May 10, which is the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery date. For rebuilding franchises, the lottery represents everything.
At the center of that hope, BYU player AJ Dybantsa, who is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has made a sudden post on social media that is making waves.
AJ Dybantsa’s Recent Post Is Making Waves
Dybantsa took to X and announced that he would go live on Instagram at 11:45 a.m. ET tomorrow to make a “big announcement.”
Tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/F2W8ly8TQX
— AJ Dybantsa (@AJ_Dybantsa) April 22, 2026
With the NBA Draft declaration deadline approaching on Friday, the timing of Dybantsa’s message seemed far from accidental, and the internet erupted within minutes.
Eagle-eyed followers were quick to connect the dots. They pulled up a snippet from the “Desert Voices” podcast in which Dybantsa revealed that his mother wants him to graduate, then added, “I might not leave college… but I might leave.”
Fans flooded social media, reminding everyone of that exact exchange, arguing that Dybantsa had been waiting for this moment for weeks. Now, the Instagram Live announcement is him finally pulling back the curtain.
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“We all know he’s leaving, right? Don’t let your heart be broken tomorrow, people,” wrote one user.
We all know he’s leaving, right? Don’t let your heart be broken tomorrow, people 😂 https://t.co/EhcEus7mqV
— Eric Mika (@erc95) April 22, 2026
One fan brought the lottery math into the equation. Currently, the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Washington Wizards each hold the best odds. They all have a 14% chance at the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
If Dybantsa declares, he is widely expected to go first. The fan’s comment cut to the core of the drama that if the Pacers land that pick, they land Dybantsa.
“He’s going to announce he’s returning to college unless Mr. Silva grants the Pacers the 1st pick,” wrote another user.
He’s going to announce he’s returning to college unless Mr. Silva grants the Pacers the 1st pick https://t.co/UcPC2jFdT5
— Yeah Yeah! (@YeahYeahOkBro) April 22, 2026
For months, analysts have been waiting for clarity on Dybantsa’s plans. Now, with his sudden announcement tease, that anticipation has reached a boiling point.
“The suspense is killing me,” wrote one basketball content creator.
The suspense is killing me https://t.co/7DJ8G6ChMk
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) April 22, 2026
One user even tried to lighten the mood by pointing out that the big announcement might not be as dramatic as everyone expects.
“AJ shocks the world at noon tomorrow…or something else,” wrote the user.
AJ shocks the world at noon tomorrow…or something else https://t.co/g3LRREkVsN
— Brandon Gurney (@BrandonCGurney) April 22, 2026
All eyes now turn to tomorrow because whatever Dybantsa says next won’t just define his future, but it could reshape the direction of the 2026 NBA Draft entirely.
