BYU Star AJ Dybantsa Discusses NBA Draft Plans After Loss to Texas

The projected top-5 pick weighs his options after his freshman season ends in the NCAA Tournament.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:22am

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BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa, a projected top-5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, discussed his future plans with reporters after the Cougars' NCAA Tournament loss to Texas. Dybantsa, who averaged 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.1 steals this season, said he will talk to his family, especially his mother who wants him to stay in school, before deciding whether to declare for the NBA Draft in the coming weeks.

Why it matters

Dybantsa's decision will have major implications for both BYU's outlook next season and the 2026 NBA Draft class. As a projected top-5 pick, his departure would be a significant loss for the Cougars, but his professional potential is undeniable given his elite scoring ability and all-around game.

The details

Despite a 35-point performance from Dybantsa, BYU fell to Texas 79-71 in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 64. After the game, the 18-year-old star forward discussed his next steps, saying he will consult with his family, especially his mother who wants him to stay in school, before deciding whether to declare for the NBA Draft.

  • BYU lost to Texas in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64 on March 20, 2026.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A freshman forward at BYU who averaged 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game this season. He is a projected top-5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Texas Longhorns

The college basketball team that defeated BYU 79-71 in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64.

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What they’re saying

“Just talk to my family. 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.”

— AJ Dybantsa, BYU Forward

What’s next

Dybantsa will make a decision on whether to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft in the next couple of weeks after consulting with his family, especially his mother who wants him to stay in school.

The takeaway

Dybantsa's NBA Draft decision will be a major storyline in the coming weeks, as the talented freshman forward weighs his professional potential against his mother's desire for him to remain in college and earn his degree. His choice will have significant ramifications for both BYU's outlook next season and the 2026 NBA Draft class.