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2026 NBA Draft: AJ Dybantsa Scouting Report

AJ Dybantsa displays an intense face during a BYU Cougars basketball game.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2026 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.


AJ Dybantsa

Position: Forward

College: BYU

Class: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'9", 210 lbs

Birthdate: January 29, 2007

High School: Utah Prep (UT)


Player Overview


AJ Dybantsa came into college as one of the most highly regarded prospects in the country, and with good reason. At 6’9” with length, fluid athleticism, power, and the ability to score at all three levels, he has the look of a modern NBA wing who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. His natural talent and confidence give him star potential, and combined with his versatility, make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft class.


Dybantsa is already a dynamic offensive threat. He can attack the rim with long strides, explosiveness, and power, while also creating space off the dribble for pull-ups and finishing through traffic with polish. His advanced footwork and shot-making touch make him a difficult cover, and he’s also capable of facilitating out of drives. On the defensive end, his size and quickness allow him to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and provide help-side rim protection.


To maximize his potential, Dybantsa will need to become more consistent from beyond the arc, improve his shot selection, and maintain sustained focus. Even so, his blend of size, skill, and competitive edge sets him apart as one of the premier prospects of this draft class.


"AJ Dybantsa has elite physical tools you just can’t teach. He’s already an elite isolation scorer on the offensive end and has the potential to become a top-tier defender who can lock down multiple positions. He has star potential written all over him." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst

Strengths


  • Elite Physical Profile: 6’9” wing with length, fluidity, and vertical explosiveness.

  • Scoring Versatility: Three-level scorer who can attack the rim, hit midrange pull-ups, and create his own shot.

  • Footwork & Shot Creation: Effective step-backs, jab steps, and body control in tight spaces.

  • Playmaking Ability: Reads the floor well and facilitates off the dribble.

  • Defensive Potential: Switchable defender who guards multiple positions and protects the rim.

  • Motor & Leadership: Vocal, competitive, and plays with energy.


Concerns


  • Outside Shooting & Shot Selection: Needs to become a steadier shooter from distance and avoid settling for contested attempts.

  • Selective Motor: At times, his energy wavers; he must bring consistent effort and assertiveness on both ends.

  • Maturity & Focus: Still developing decision-making and composure; staying locked in will be critical.


Bottom Line


AJ Dybantsa is a premier prospect with the size, athleticism, and versatility that NBA teams covet. He can score at all three levels, impact the game defensively, and he plays with confidence and competitiveness. To reach his ceiling, he’ll need to continue developing his perimeter shooting, maintain consistent focus, and continue to mature. Still, his combination of tools, skill, and upside gives him legitimate star potential and one of the highest ceilings in the 2026 NBA Draft class.

Preciser
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