Key Takeaways
- Historic Debut: AJ Dybantsa became the first freshman since Stephen Curry to score 30+ points in his NCAA Tournament debut, finishing with 35 points and 10 rebounds.
- Record-Breaker: The 6’9″ wing shattered the Big 12 single-tournament scoring record with 93 points over three games earlier this month.
- Draft Status: Despite BYU’s 79-71 loss to Texas, NBA scouts have Dybantsa locked in as the consensus No. 1 overall pick for the 2026 Draft.
PORTLAND, Ore. — AJ Dybantsa didn’t just meet the hype; he overwhelmed it. In what likely serves as his final collegiate act, the BYU freshman put the nation on notice at the Moda Center. Dybantsa’s 35-point double-double against the Texas Longhorns wasn’t just a stat line—it was a 40-minute audition for the NBA’s top spot.
The “Human Highlight” Lives Up to the Name
Dybantsa operated with a professional’s rhythm from the jump. He attacked the Texas interior with a blend of 6’9″ size and guard-like fluidness that left defenders grasping at air. While the Longhorns eventually pulled away for a 79-71 upset, Dybantsa was the only reason the Cougars stayed within striking distance. He went a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line, showcasing the poise that helped him lead the nation in scoring this season with 25.5 points per game.
His performance followed a legendary stretch in the Big 12 Tournament, where he dropped 40 on Kansas State and broke Kevin Durant’s long-standing freshman tournament record. Whether it was the contested mid-range jumpers or the explosive transition finishes seen in his latest highlight reels, Dybantsa proved he is a three-level threat that NBA front offices have been dreaming of since his high school days at Utah Prep.
| Stat Category | Vs. Texas (NCAA R1) | Season Average |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 35 | 25.5 |
| Rebounds | 10 | 6.8 |
| Free Throws | 12-12 | 77.4% |
| Field Goal % | 44.0% | 51.0% |
What They Said
“I knew I had to carry the load. We were short-handed, and I just tried to be aggressive every possession. It hurts to go out like this, but I left everything on that floor for BYU.”
— AJ Dybantsa, BYU Forward
“He is a generational talent. You don’t see 19-year-olds with that kind of frame and footwork. He’s going to walk into an NBA facility and be a 20-point scorer on day one.”
— Anonymous NBA Eastern Conference Scout
What’s Next: The Road to the 2026 NBA Draft
The conversation now shifts from Provo to the NBA Draft Lottery. While Dybantsa briefly mentioned the possibility of returning to BYU to “finish what he started,” the reality of a guaranteed No. 1 paycheck makes a “one-and-done” exit almost certain. His 894 total points this season represent the third-most by any freshman in NCAA history, trailing only legends of the game.
NBA teams like the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards—both sitting high in the lottery odds—are reportedly enamored with his defensive versatility and improved playmaking. Dybantsa’s ability to stack counter-moves and finish through contact has him head and shoulders above other prospects like Cameron Boozer or Darryn Peterson. Expect his name to be the first called on June 24th.
