Top NBA draft prospect AJ Dybantsa has not ruled out staying at BYU for another season. In a recent interview, the freshman scoring leader mentioned his mother's desire for him to graduate and fan influence as factors in his decision. Despite expectations of a one-and-done path, Dybantsa said he might return for the 2026-27 season.
AJ Dybantsa, a freshman at Brigham Young University (BYU), is leading the nation in scoring with 24.9 points per game and is projected as a top candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Alongside Duke's Cameron Boozer and Kansas' Darryn Peterson, he is part of a highly regarded freshman class. However, in an interview with the Deseret News' "Deseret Voices" podcast on March 3, 2026, Dybantsa left open the possibility of not entering the draft this summer.
"Well, I might not leave … like, I might not leave college," Dybantsa said when asked about his future plans. He added, "My mom wants me to graduate. So I might not leave, but I might leave," noting that he has until the end of the season to decide. Dybantsa also mentioned that fans encouraging him for "one more year, maybe three more years" could influence his thinking, and he plans to discuss it with his mother.
This comes amid a strong season for BYU, which stands at 20-9 and is projected as a No. 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament by CBS Sports' Bracketology. Since guard Richie Saunders suffered a season-ending ACL tear, Dybantsa has shouldered more offensive responsibility, scoring at least 20 points in eight consecutive games.
Education holds high importance in the Dybantsa family, with the player committed to earning a bachelor's degree regardless of his professional path. Financially, entering the draft appears advantageous; last year's No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg signed a four-year, $62.7 million contract, while No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe received $50.4 million over four years. BYU's previous high-profile prospect, Egor Dëmin, similarly considered returning but declared for the 2025 draft and was selected No. 8 by the Brooklyn Nets.
Observers view a return as unlikely, drawing parallels to Flagg and Reed Sheppard, who both left after one college season despite initial buzz about staying. Dybantsa committed to BYU in November 2024, stating on ESPN's "First Take" that playing one year before the NBA was his goal.
