BYU Cougars star AJ Dybantsa is one of the favorites to be picked first in the 2026 NBA draft. Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson are also in the race to be the first player off the board.
However, Dybantsa believes he deserves to be the first overall pick, and he made his case in a recent interview with Jordan Richard.
When asked when he expects to get picked, Dybantsa said:
“Number one, yeah. Main thing is I’m a willing learner, willing listener. A lot of people say that I dramatically improved throughout the season. So from my first game to my last game, they all see improvements. I’m just trying to improve every single day. I want to listen to the fans. I just want to win.”
AJ Dybantsa Reflects on Lone Season With BYU
On Thursday, AJ Dybantsa officially declared for the 2026 NBA draft after his only season with the BYU Cougars. During his interview with former NBA player Udonis Haslem at the Amazon Prime Sports studios, he reflected on his time in college and his plans to graduate.
“I went to college for my mom. Yeah, I’m going to graduate. I’m going to do my years online [and finish my degree in Mass Communications],” Dybantsa said. “But I learned a lot from college [as a player], especially the Big 12. It’s a physical league. I had to learn how to play through a lot of contact, not argue with the officials, and learn how to pay attention to detail. Everything’s way faster. So, it was a good jump from high school.”
Dybantsa was pushed into the leadership role despite being a freshman after senior guards Richie Saunders and Dawson Baker suffered injuries. He helped the Cougars to a 21-10 record (9-9 in the Big 12). Dybantsa led the country with 25.5 points per game to go with 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals. He shot 51 percent from the field.
It remains to be seen whether Dybabsa gets his way in the NBA draft in June and is picked first overall.
Read More News:
Andrej Stojakovic NBA Draft: Can Illinois Star Still Return To College Basketball?
Dusty May’s 2025 Contract Extension: How Much Does Michigan’s HC Earn?
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
