AJ Dybantsa Teases Staying At BYU Over NBA Draft

Merlin sees BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa as a clear front-runner for the 2026 No. 1 pick, yet the young forward told McKay Coppins "well, I might not leave" and "My mom wants me to graduate. Yeah, so I might not leave. But I might leave." He is averaging 24.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 53 percent overall and 36.3 percent from deep, with six 30-plus games, a 43-point outburst and a triple-double. Jonathan Wasserman recently projected him No. 1 in a mock draft. Merlin senses why teams are excited: Dybantsa blends outside shooting, drive and playmaking with apparent steady growth, and scouts see less risk. A return to BYU would reshape draft boards and calm the immediate frenzy, but most signs point to the NBA calling his name.