BYU Star AJ Dybantsa Weighs Staying for Another College Season

The freshman phenom is considering foregoing the NBA Draft to graduate from BYU.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

BYU freshman basketball star AJ Dybantsa is considering staying in college for another year rather than entering the NBA Draft, where he is projected to be a top-3 pick. Dybantsa cited his mother's desire for him to graduate as a key factor in his decision-making process, though he has not yet committed to staying or leaving. This would be an unprecedented move, as lottery picks rarely forego the NBA Draft to remain in college.

Why it matters

Dybantsa's potential decision to stay at BYU for another year would be highly unusual, as top NBA prospects almost always leave college after one season. This would be a major story in the college basketball world and could have significant implications for BYU's program and Dybantsa's professional prospects.

The details

Dybantsa, a freshman phenom, is averaging 24.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game for BYU this season. He is widely projected to be a top-3 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. However, Dybantsa has indicated that his mother wants him to graduate from college, and he is seriously considering foregoing the NBA for another year at BYU.

  • Dybantsa made his comments about potentially staying in a recent podcast appearance.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A freshman basketball star at BYU who is considering staying in college for another year rather than entering the NBA Draft, where he is projected to be a top-3 pick.

Carmelo Anthony

A former college basketball star who seriously contemplated staying at Syracuse for a second year, though he ultimately left after one season.

Cooper Flagg

A high-profile college basketball player who spoke last year about how much he loved the college environment and the possibility of returning for another season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (Podcast appearance)

What’s next

Dybantsa is likely to wait until the end of BYU's season before announcing his decision on whether to enter the NBA Draft or return to college for another year.

The takeaway

Dybantsa's potential decision to stay in college for another year would be highly unusual and could have significant implications for both his professional prospects and BYU's basketball program. This story highlights the growing trend of top college players considering staying in school rather than immediately entering the NBA Draft.