BYU Star AJ Dybantsa Undecided on 2026 NBA Draft

Freshman phenom awaits key conversation with his mother before making decision

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:26pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball player in motion, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives, conveying the complexity of the decision-making process surrounding AJ Dybantsa's future.The complex family dynamics surrounding AJ Dybantsa's NBA draft decision are deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece.Cincinnati Today

BYU basketball star AJ Dybantsa, widely projected as a top-3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, says he has not yet made a decision on whether to enter the draft or return to school for his sophomore year. Dybantsa is waiting to have a conversation with his mother, Chelsea, who has been heavily involved in his basketball career decisions in the past.

Why it matters

Dybantsa's decision will have major implications for both BYU's basketball program and his professional prospects. As a dominant freshman, he is expected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming draft, but his mother's influence over his career choices could lead him to stay in school another year.

The details

Dybantsa, who averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game as a freshman, was named to the AP All-America First Team. He led BYU to a 23-12 record and a NCAA Tournament appearance, though the team was upset in the first round. Dybantsa's father, Ace, is serving as his manager for NIL deals, while his mother Chelsea has historically been the key decision-maker on major basketball choices in his career.

  • Dybantsa had a dominant freshman season in 2025-26.
  • BYU was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament in the first round in March 2026.
  • The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A freshman basketball player at BYU who is widely projected as a top-3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after a standout first season.

Chelsea Dybantsa

AJ Dybantsa's mother, who has been heavily involved in making major decisions about his basketball career.

Ace Dybantsa

AJ Dybantsa's father, who is serving as his manager for NIL deals.

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What they’re saying

“I haven't talked to my mom. She has pretty much been making a lot of my decisions in life for me.”

— AJ Dybantsa, BYU Basketball Player

“I know she wants me to graduate college, so I don't know if she is basing it off of, 'Yeah, you're going to stay in school to graduate or if she just wants me to go accomplish my dreams.' Who knows?”

— AJ Dybantsa, BYU Basketball Player

What’s next

Dybantsa plans to have a conversation with his mother, Chelsea, to discuss his NBA draft decision before the June 2026 draft.

The takeaway

AJ Dybantsa's NBA draft decision is being heavily influenced by his mother's involvement in his basketball career, highlighting the complex family dynamics that can impact the futures of elite college prospects.