Is AJ Dybantsa declaring for the NBA Draft? BYU star discusses future after Cougars’ loss to Texas originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
AJ Dybantsa’s freshman campaign at BYU is officially over.
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Despite a commendable 35-point effort from the 18-year-old star forward against Texas in the Round of 64 on Thursday night, the Cougars were unable to win the rebounding battle (40-31 in favor of Texas) and get enough stops down the stretch to pull off a come-from-behind victory over the Longhorns.
Texas secured a 79-71 NCAA Tournament victory over BYU to advance to the Round of 32.
After the crushing eight-point loss, Dybantsa, a projected top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, discussed his immediate future with reporters.
Is AJ Dybantsa declaring for the NBA Draft after BYU’s loss to Texas?
While it’s a foregone conclusion that Dybantsa will enter his name into the NBA Draft, the future pro has yet to make a final decision on the subject. However, the Boston, Massachusetts native did walk reporters through his next steps after coming up short in the Big Dance.
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“Just talk to my family,” Dybantsa said. “My mom ultimately, she kind of is the big boss, she kind of makes the decisions in life. Just talk to her, see what she says and y’all will get an answer in the next couple of weeks.”
Although Dybantsa has stated that his mom wants him to stay in school and earn his degree, it’s challenging to envision him spending multiple years at the collegiate level. The 6-foot-9 forward possesses the contested shot-making ability off the dribble (at all three levels), downhill physicality, and above-the-rim ability necessary to succeed in today’s NBA.
Dybantsa averaged 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game with BYU this season, shooting 51.3% from the field and 34.0% from beyond the arc. Expect Dybantsa to declare for the NBA Draft in due time.
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