AJ Dybantsa is once again shooting to the top of mock NBA drafts as many analysts think highly of his current skill set and his upside. It just so happens that one of Dybantsa’s supporters is a former no. 1 pick himself.
When the BYU standout joined NBA on Prime’s “Nightcap,” anchor Taylor Rooks informed him that their “resident college basketball expert” had a message for him. It turned out that Rooks was referring to five-time All-Star John Wall, who had positive words to say for Dybantsa.
“What really stands out when I’m watching AJ Dybantsa is his ability to be a three-level scorer…If it’s a small guard, he can post you up. If you’re a bigger guy, he’ll take you out to the perimeter and he’ll blow right by you.”
Wall, who used to be the face of the Washington Wizards, expressed his confidence that AJ Dybantsa has what it takes to be a main man.
“Whoever gets this guy is getting a great leader…going to be a great person for your franchise.”
For a while, Kansas star Darryn Peterson was considered to have an edge over Dybantsa as this year’s no. 1 pick. However, pundits have since questioned Peterson’s reliability, given that he hasn’t consistently played heavy minutes in his stint with the Jayhawks.
Now, however, the notion of Dybantsa getting picked first overall has picked up steam again. Wall’s assessment echoes what many are saying about the 19-year-old prospect.
AJ Dybantsa Announces Plans to Finish College Studies While Playing in the NBA
Earlier this week, AJ Dybantsa officially declared for the 2026 NBA draft. While this was a headline in and of itself, the BYU star added one more noteworthy piece of information.
According to Dybantsa, he plans to finish the rest of his college studies online so that he can get his degree in four years’ time.
This means that Dybantsa plans to juggle his NBA career with his college education. On and off the court, Dybantsa is shaping up to be a versatile, talented young man.
