What’s next for BYU star AJ Dybantsa after early NCAA exit?
Mar 20, 2026, 11:26 AM
PORTLAND, Ore. – BYU basketball star AJ Dybantsa was impressive in his NCAA Tournament debut.
The Big 12 Freshman of the Year scored 35 points and was a lone bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming performance by BYU in an upset loss against an 11-seed Texas squad.
One of the greatest seasons by a player in BYU basketball history.
Memorable year for AJ Dybantsa. pic.twitter.com/eV0PWaBcqI
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) March 20, 2026
So, now the question becomes what’s next?
AJ Dybantsa wrapped up a memorable year at BYU
Honestly, it doesn’t feel like much of a question. Dybantsa should be the No. 1 NBA draft pick next June.
But Dybantsa has remained consistent in saying he hasn’t decided his future yet. He’s pointed out how his mother wants him to earn his college degree.
When asked on Thursday night in Locker Room A inside the Moda Center, if that 35-point performance against Texas was his last as a BYU Cougar.
“I don’t know. I don’t even know how to answer that. I can’t answer that,” Dybantsa said.
Dybantsa has been a generational talent for BYU this season. There were high expectations for BYU as a team this year. As a group, they didn’t come close to those lofty expectations for a preseason top-10 team.
But the one constant every night through a rocky season was Dybantsa, who played in every game and was willing to play all 40 minutes.
In his first March Madness appearance, the Brockton, Massachusetts native laid it all on the line.
“I love this place. I’m happy I chose here. I definitely made the right decision. I knew coming in I made the right decision,” Dybantsa said. “Ever since my visit with the coaching staff, how just a family atmosphere, talking to the academic adviser, everything about this place, I’m just happy.
“As far as the season, it’s tough dealing with that type of adversity, but I’d rather do it with nobody else.”
When asked if he would maintain a relationship with BYU basketball in the future in his basketball career, Dybantsa said, “Yeah, for sure. 1000%.”
Long-lasting relationships
Long term, that’s a win for the BYU basketball program to be connected to a player who has the potential to become the face of the NBA.
BYU head coach Kevin Young sees the value in that as well.
“What a joy for all of us, truth be told, to watch what he did this year. So, if it’s his last game, I just wish him well,” said Young.
“But for me, I think the coolest thing about coaching is just the relationship that you get to build with guys for years and years to come, right?
“From my time in the league, when Chris Paul retired, my family and I sent him a video message. He sends one right back to us. Book’s wearing the BYU PEs in a game. I got Egor (Demin) hitting me up in tournament time. Now, AJ is going to be doing the same thing.”
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSL and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.
Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.
