2026 NBA Draft confidential: Coaches, scouts, execs on AJ Dybantsa, top wing prospects

AJ Dybantsa, a 19-year-old forward from BYU, is emerging as a top prospect for the current NBA Draft, with some executives stating he could be the No. 1 overall pick. Dybantsa led the nation in scoring during his one season at BYU and led the country in free-throw attempts with 296, according to draft data.

Did You Know? AJ Dybantsa led the nation in free-throw attempts during his single season at BYU, recording 296 attempts.

Why is AJ Dybantsa considered a top NBA prospect?

Dybantsa possesses a physical profile of 6-8 1/2 inches and 217 pounds, with a 7-0 1/2-inch wingspan. One Eastern Conference executive stated that wings with this size and an elite first step can play and defend positions one through four.

A Western Conference executive described Dybantsa as a professional with the mentality to force his way into being the best possible player. This executive added that Dybantsa is a two-way player who has been raised for these moments.

Scouts have compared the 19-year-old to the Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown. One Eastern Conference scout noted that Dybantsa could be like Kevin Garnett with a jump shot, citing his tenacity when playing “hungry.”

What are the primary concerns regarding Dybantsa’s game?

Shooting remains a point of development, as Dybantsa shot 33 percent on 4.2 three-pointers per game. An Eastern Conference executive identified this as the one weakness in his game.

Defensive consistency is also a question. While one executive believes his physical baseline prevents him from being a liability, another suggested he currently relies more on athleticism than a feel for the game defensively.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Dybantsa fits the “apex predator” profile sought by analytics circles—players who create immense pressure on defenses by scoring from the midrange and three-point line while consistently drawing fouls.

Which other wing and forward prospects are rising?

Nate Ament, a 19-year-old Tennessee freshman measuring 6-9 1/2 inches, is viewed as a likely high-lottery prospect. Ament earned second-team All-SEC honors and averaged 16 points per game in the SEC, according to source data.

BEST OF AJ DYBANTSA 🎥 BYU Freshman Year Highlights 🍿 | ESPN College Basketball

Karim López, 19, is expected to be the first Mexican-born player taken in the first round. López played for the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian National Basketball League’s “Next Stars” program.

Joshua Jefferson of Iowa State is a first-team All-Big 12 and second-team All-American selection. Jefferson averaged 4.8 assists per game and is described as a strong, physical player despite being undersized for his position.

Cameron Carr (Baylor): Led the Bears in scoring with 18.9 ppg.
Dailyn Swain (Texas): Second-team All-SEC wing.
Allen Graves (Santa Clara): A 6-7 3/4 forward noted for his defensive IQ.

What could happen next in the NBA Draft?

The Washington Wizards hold the first pick and the Utah Jazz hold the second, meaning either team could acquire a player of Dybantsa’s profile. Toronto is rumored to be circling Allen Graves at the 19th pick.

Analysts suggest Dybantsa’s ability to operate in NBA space could make him a focal point for an offense. Other prospects, such as Richie Saunders of BYU, may see their draft stock affected by injuries, as Saunders is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in February.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is AJ Dybantsa?
He is a 19-year-old forward from BYU who led the nation in scoring and free-throw attempts during his college season.

What are AJ Dybantsa’s physical measurements?
He is 6-8 1/2 inches tall, weighs 217 pounds, and has a 7-0 1/2-inch wingspan.

Which players are compared to AJ Dybantsa?
NBA personnel have compared him to Jaylen Brown and Kevin Garnett, while some note similarities to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to draw fouls.

Which of these prospects do you believe has the highest ceiling for a franchise rebuild?