AJ Dybantsa projected as No. 1 pick in 2026 NBA draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 9:00 AM
Last updated Jun 23, 2026
AJ Dybantsa, a standout freshman from BYU, is anticipated to be the first overall selection in the upcoming 2026 NBA draft. He averaged over 25 points per game on 51% shooting during the season, showcasing skills that have drawn comparisons to future All-Stars. Other prospective top picks include Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson. The draft is expected to feature numerous one-and-done college players, further emphasizing the shift in NCAA basketball with the introduction of NIL deals. International talents such as Mexican prospect Karim López and Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea are also being closely watched by NBA teams.
- •AJ Dybantsa is projected as the consensus No. 1 overall pick.
- •He averaged 25.5 points per game, ranking first in Division I scoring.
- •Top prospects include Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson.
- •International players like Karim López and Sergio De Larrea are gaining interest.
- •The draft reflects the impact of NIL deals on college basketball.
- 9:00 AMYahoo Sports — NBA draft 2026 predictions: a consensus at No 1 and a rising Mexican star
- 9:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — NBA draft 2026 predictions: a consensus at No 1 and a rising Mexican star
"AJ Dybantsa is widely expected to have his name called first on Tuesday. But which other young stars are worth keeping an eye on? AJ Dybantsa looked like a pro among college kids in his lone season at BYU, becoming just the fifth Division I player in the last 40 years to average more than 25 points per game while shooting better than 51%. Even beyond the numbers, Dybantsa’s natural length and ability to create his own shot make him look more like a future All-Star than Kansas’s Darryn Peterson, whose load-management habits stand in stark contrast to Dybantsa’s workhorse approach. Andrew Lawrence Continue reading...
"AJ Dybantsa is widely expected to have his name called first on Tuesday. But which other young stars are worth keeping an eye on?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 9:00 AMNBA draft 2026 predictions: a consensus at No 1 and a rising Mexican star
AJ Dybantsa is widely expected to have his name called first on Tuesday. But which other young stars are worth keeping an eye on?
- The Guardian SportJun 23, 2026, 9:00 AMNBA draft 2026 predictions: a consensus at No 1 and a rising Mexican star
AJ Dybantsa is widely expected to have his name called first on Tuesday. But which other young stars are worth keeping an eye on? AJ Dybantsa looked like a pro among college kids in his lone season at BYU, becoming just the fifth Division I player in the last 40 years to average more than 25 points per game while shooting better than 51%. Even beyond the numbers, Dybantsa’s natural length and ability to create his own shot make him look more like a future All-Star than Kansas’s Darryn Peterson, whose load-management habits stand in stark contrast to Dybantsa’s workhorse approach. Andrew Lawrence Continue reading...
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