AJ Dybantsa: 2026 NBA Draft profile
Jun 9, 2026, 12:02 PM | Updated: Jun 10, 2026, 10:44 am
TUCSON, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 18: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars goes up for a dunk during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena on February 18, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Patrick Mulligan/Getty Images)
(Photo by Patrick Mulligan/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — With the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz could find themselves in a position to draft AJ Dybantsa later this month.
But what would the BYU wing bring to the Jazz as they enter their next era?
Below is a full breakdown of his game, strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit in Utah.
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AJ Dybantsa: NBA Draft Snapshot
School: BYU
Position: SF
Age: 19
2025–26 stats
- 25.5 points
- 6.8 rebounds
- 3.7 assists
Shooting splits
- 51.0% FG
- 33.1% 3PT
- 77.4% FT
Strengths
- Physical profile
- Three-level scoring
- Overall upside
Weaknesses
- 3PT consistency
- Decision making
- Loose handle
Could AJ Dybantsa Be A No. 1 Option On Offense?
Dybantsa is a lock to be selected in the top three on draft night. Much of his stock has been built on the back of his offensive game.
His versatility and ability to score from just about anywhere in the half-court are impressive, to say the least.
In his freshman campaign with the Cougars, he was arguably the best scorer in college basketball inside of 22 feet.
AJ Dybantsa is so fun to watch. Footwork and inside-the-arc scoring is just 🤌.
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) December 14, 2025
40 percent of Dybantsa’s field goal attempts came at the rim, and he shot an outstanding 69 percent from close range.
His comfort extended to the second level, where 34 percent of his shots came last season. He shot just under 45 percent from the mid-range, a solid number, especially considering his usage.
Looking at play types rather than shot types, the scoring is just as spaced out. He scored over 100 points last season in five different ways: as the pick-and-roll ball handler, in transition, spotting up, in the post, and in isolation.
One of the biggest questions for Dybantsa on offense is his three-point shooting. He shot 33.1 percent from behind the arc, which isn’t a bad number. But questions about consistency and portability to the next level are definitely relevant.
Looking at his game log, you will see a lot of 1-for-5, 1-for-6, and 1-for-7 shooting games. Although you could count the number of “bad” three-point shot selections from Dybantsa on one hand. Shot selection can be a concern, though it shows up more in the mid-range than from downtown.
It is worth noting that his jumpshot form looks good. When he makes it to the NBA, there will be more space around him, and he will also likely be tasked with less on-ball duties, both of which bode well for improving his three-point shot.
Potential No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa against UConn at TD Garden:
25 PTS | 8-14 FG | 2-3 3PT | 6 REB pic.twitter.com/gTyIU3cIss
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) November 16, 2025
There are valid concerns about his decision-making with the ball in his hands, though it’s unclear how much of that is a real basketball IQ question and how much of that is due to being a 19-year-old tasked with carrying a college program.
The biggest takeaway from Dybantsa’s offensive game is that he is a 6-foot-9, rangy wing capable of scoring at all three levels. The upside as a No. 1 option in the NBA is absolutely there.
Will AJ Dybantsa Be A Good Defender In The NBA?
Another question for Dybantsa comes on defense. Despite having all the tools, his numbers on that end left quite a bit to be desired.
He posted a 2.2 Defensive Box Plus-Minus (DBPM), which ranks in the 53rd percentile. For comparison, Cameron Boozer had a 5.1 DBPM, which is in the 96th percentile.
He had a block percentage of 1.1 percent, which is poor, and a steal percentage of 1.7 percent, which is pedestrian. But once again, it’s fair to question how much his offensive workload at BYU impacted his defensive consistency.
Regardless, his size and athleticism suggest a higher defensive baseline than what he showed last season.
A STEAL AND A SLAM TO END THE HALF
📺 ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/VcAEDqyzyl
— BYU Men’s Basketball (@BYUMBB) March 10, 2026
Much of his defensive promise shows at the point of attack, while his shortcomings appear off the ball and when navigating offensive actions.
His defensive growth and identity will ultimately come down to him. Considering he has proven to have high character and work ethic, it’s reasonable to project defensive upside rather than label him a negative on that end this early.
How Would AJ Dybantsa Fit With The Utah Jazz?
Drafting Dybantsa would immediately complicate the Jazz’s forward rotation.
Pairing the BYU star with Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, and Jaren Jackson Jr. would create a loaded group of skilled forwards. At the same time, adding Dybantsa into that mix could complicate the development path early in his career.
Utah would be forced to balance winning now with long-term growth. Still, too much talent is a problem that most teams would love to have.
Some might argue he would be better suited in a place like Sacramento or Brooklyn, where he would have a clearer runway to become a primary option. But as Bailey showed in his rookie season, a more measured approach can have its benefits.
If drafted by Utah, Dybantsa would likely play at the two early in his career, before sliding down to the three and potentially even the four as he gets stronger and more comfortable at the next level.
All in all, the fit in Utah wouldn’t be picture perfect. But the combination of Dybantsa’s talent, superstar upside, and local ties isn’t something to pass up if given the chance.
