BYU Star Freshman Dybantsa Named Lute Olson Award Finalist

Dybantsa, a projected top NBA draft pick, teases possible return to BYU next season.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:42pm

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BYU freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa has been named one of the finalists for the prestigious Lute Olson National Player of the Year award, the school announced ahead of the NCAA Tournament. Dybantsa, who is averaging 25.2 points per game, the most in the country, has carried the Cougars to a 21-10 record and an expected NCAA Tournament bid as a No. 6 seed.

Why it matters

Dybantsa's breakout freshman season has him firmly on the radar of NBA scouts, but the star player has hinted he may return to BYU for his sophomore year, which would be a major boost for the Cougars' chances in the NCAA Tournament and next season.

The details

Dybantsa erupted for 40 points in BYU's first-round Big 12 Tournament win, the most ever by a freshman in conference tournament history. He's averaging 25.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game this season, leading the Cougars to a 21-10 record and an expected NCAA Tournament berth as a No. 6 seed.

  • On Tuesday, Dybantsa scored 40 points in BYU's first-round Big 12 Tournament victory.
  • The NCAA Tournament field will be announced on Selection Sunday, March 17, 2026.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A 19-year-old freshman at BYU who is the top-ranked player in the class of 2025 and a projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

BYU Cougars

The men's basketball team at Brigham Young University, which has a 21-10 record this season and is expected to receive a No. 6 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Well, I might not leave. My mom wants me to graduate. I might not leave. But I might leave.”

— AJ Dybantsa

What’s next

BYU will face the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.

The takeaway

Dybantsa's breakout freshman season has him in the running for national player of the year honors, but his comments about potentially returning to BYU next season have added an intriguing subplot to the Cougars' NCAA Tournament hopes and the 2026 NBA Draft.