AJ Dybantsa’s time in college has most likely come to an end on Thursday after his BYU Cougars fell against the Texas Longhorns 79-71 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. This is assuming Dybantsa declares for the 2026 NBA draft, where he is projected to go second overall by several mock drafts.
The shock first-round exit came despite Dybantsa’s double-double effort (35 points and 10 rebounds). However, Dybantsa’s other teammates struggled from the floor, especially from beyond the arc, resulting in an upset loss.
Dybantsa entered college as the No. 1 recruit with one of the biggest NIL packages ever. His NIL valuation is estimated to be around $7 million. This includes a multi-million dollar base on top of major brand deals with Nike and Red Bull. After BYU’s early exit, that massive investment is now being debated.
Sports writer Brian Drake raised serious questions about whether Dybantsa deserved such a high valuation on the face of a first-round defeat.
“BYU paid $7 million to AJ Dybantsa. He led the nation in scoring. Cool,” Drake wrote. “They finished 10th in the Big 12 and were a 6-seed in the NCAA Tournament after losing a key guard to injury. They lost to an 11-seed Texas team that finished 10th in the SEC. Is that NIL $ well spent?”
AJ Dybantsa Reaffirms His BYU Decision Despite First Round Loss
AJ Dybantsa could have gone anywhere, but he chose BYU despite knowing that it’s not the best program in the country. Six months after he made the decision, some might wonder if he regretted that decision, given the first-round loss in the NCAA Tournament. However, the forward stood his ground, saying it was a “right decision” to choose to come to BYU.
“I love this place. I’m happy I chose here. I definitely made the right decision. I knew coming in that I made the right decision ever since my visit. With the coaching staff, the family atmosphere, talking with the academic adviser, everything about this place, I’m just happy,” said Dybantsa in the postgame conference.
“As far as the season, it’s tough dealing with that type of adversity, but I’d rather do it with nobody else.”
Dybantsa’s other two top pick contenders, Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, are expected to go deep in the NCAA Tournament. Only time will tell whether that affects the current status of the freshman.
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AJ Dybantsa Stats Today – How Did BYU Star Perform in Loss vs Texas?
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