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BYU Star AJ Dybantsa Sends Motivational Message Before NCAA Debut
Freshman phenom aims to lead Cougars to national title in final college season
Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:29am
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BYU Cougars freshman basketball star AJ Dybantsa, a potential No. 1 overall NBA draft pick, posted a two-word message on social media just days before his NCAA Tournament debut, saying "first dance." Dybantsa, who is averaging 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game this season, has made it clear that winning a national championship is his top priority in what will be his final college campaign.
Why it matters
Dybantsa's performance in the NCAA Tournament could significantly impact his NBA draft stock, as well as BYU's chances of making a deep run in the tournament. The Cougars have faced some inconsistency this season but are hoping Dybantsa can lead them to glory in his last chance at a national title before turning pro.
The details
The No. 6 seed BYU Cougars will take on the winner of the First Four matchup between the No. 11 seeds Texas Longhorns and NC State Wolfpack in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. BYU has been operating shorthanded after losing senior guard Richie Saunders to a season-ending torn ACL in mid-February. However, the team has leaned heavily on Dybantsa, who has scored 20 or more points in 13 consecutive games, including four 30-point outings.
- BYU will face its first-round NCAA Tournament opponent on Thursday, March 21, 2026 at 7:25 p.m. ET.
- Dybantsa posted his two-word message on social media on Monday, March 18, 2026, just days before the start of the NCAA Tournament.
The players
AJ Dybantsa
A freshman basketball star at BYU who is averaging 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game this season. Dybantsa is considered a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Richie Saunders
A senior guard for the BYU Cougars who suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury in mid-February, leaving the team shorthanded heading into the NCAA Tournament.
Rob Wright III
The starting point guard for the BYU Cougars who has provided important secondary scoring and playmaking since the injury to Richie Saunders.
What they’re saying
“My goal is to win a Big 12 Championship and a National Championship. I fell short of the Big 12, so I only got one more chance left. I got to go win 6 in a row.”
— AJ Dybantsa, BYU Freshman Star (Ballislife)
What’s next
The winner of the First Four matchup between Texas and NC State will face BYU and Dybantsa in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 21, 2026.
The takeaway
AJ Dybantsa's dominant play and singular focus on winning a national championship in his final college season have made him a must-watch player in this year's NCAA Tournament. BYU will need Dybantsa to deliver on his promise if they hope to make a deep run and send the star freshman off to the NBA on a high note.
