BYU has never had a #1 overall NBA draft pick in the program’s history – AJ Dybantsa could be set to change that.

Many NBA draft and NCAA analysts have touted Kansas’ freshman guard, Darryn Peterson, as the name most franchises will be considering when it comes to utilising their lottery pick in 2026.

However, given his recent injury struggles and the string of sensational performances that the BYU Cougars’ AJ Dybantsa has showcased, the tide may be starting to turn.

Athletic. Explosive. Devastating. All words used to describe Dybantsa and the incredibly versatile arsenal that he has at his disposal.

Despite several teams being in the market for a guard to pin the future hopes of their franchise on, the Cougars’ forward has showcased that his raw talent can be enough to pivot the direction of their focus.

Dybantsa has been simply unstoppable

Standing at six feet and nine inches, the 18-year-old was a highly sought-after prospect coming out of Utah Prep High School.

Graded as a five-star recruit, Dybantsa whittled his way down to four final colleges, including Kansas, Alabama, and North Carolina, before committing his future to BYU for his freshman year – something that is already paying dividends.

BYU’s star-forward is currently averaging 23.1 points (second-highest in the country), 7.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals, all while draining 59% of his shots from the floor.

What these statistics do show is Dybantsa’s willingness to contribute by any means necessary for his teammates. Not only this, but for a younger prospect, he has already displayed that he has the mentality to put his team on his back to carry them to victory.

During the Cougars’ most recent 109-81 triumph over the Eastern Washington Eagles, Dybantsa recorded BYU’s first triple-double since 2016 – chalking up 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

When it comes to attacking the paint with intent and drawing contact to put himself at the free throw line, there are not many better and this will only improve given the level of contact allowed in the professional game.

The teenager is attempting 8.1 free-throws per game, and is sinking 6.2 of these shots.

Far from the final product

As a freshman, Dybantsa still has certain aspects of his game that he must improve if he wishes to leave a lasting legacy when he inevitably enters the NBA.

From deep, he is only scoring 33% (0.8-2.5) of his attempts. In the modern-day game, this is an attribute that Dybantsa will have to focus on if he wishes to become the vocal point of a team’s offensive gameplan.

There is a high volume of pressure on franchises to utilise their 2026 draft pick correctly, as many consider this to be the most talented class in several years.

Not only does Dybantsa face stiff competition from Darryn Peterson, but Cam Boozer’s ability to score from all three levels at such a high-clip makes him an elite prospect in his own right.

Nevertheless, Boozer’s decision making down the stretch and tendency to shoulder too much of the offensive load in high-pressure moments will play a factor when in comes to the general manager’s final decisions.

Darryn Peterson may be the people’s choice for the top pick in the 2026 NBA draft; however, do not count out AJ Dybantsa to change the media’s perspective before the season finishes.