AJ Dybantsa Builds Draft Buzz After Sharing Dream NBA Starting Lineup
Projected top draft pick AJ Dybantsa drew attention at the NBA Draft Combine after revealing the all-star lineup he would most like to play alongside.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
AJ Dybantsa’s rise toward the top of the NBA Draft board has transformed him into one of basketball’s most closely watched young prospects. After a dominant freshman season at BYU, the 19-year-old forward is widely expected to become the first overall selection in next month’s NBA Draft, with several teams already viewing him as a future franchise centerpiece.
The excitement surrounding Dybantsa has only continued to grow during the pre-draft process. His blend of scoring ability, size, versatility, and confidence has separated him from much of this year’s class, while scouts and executives continue to praise his maturity and offensive instincts at such a young age.
During the NBA Draft Combine, Dybantsa generated additional headlines when he was asked to create his ideal lineup using active NBA players. His answer reflected both his admiration for some of the league’s biggest stars and his belief in how different talents can complement each other on the floor.
The response quickly became a popular discussion point among fans and analysts, particularly because of the role he assigned to Stephen Curry. While Dybantsa’s comments were made in a lighthearted setting, they also offered a glimpse into the mindset of a player preparing to enter the NBA with significant expectations already attached to his future.
1. Dybantsa’s Freshman Season Elevated His Draft Stock
Dybantsa entered college basketball with enormous hype, and his lone season at BYU largely confirmed why so many evaluators consider him a future NBA star. The freshman forward led the nation in scoring with 25.5 points per game while also contributing 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals. His offensive versatility became one of the defining traits of his season. Dybantsa consistently showed the ability to score from all areas of the floor, whether attacking the rim, creating off the dribble, or knocking down perimeter shots against high-level competition. Beyond his individual numbers, Dybantsa helped guide BYU to a 23-12 record and a sixth seed in the NCAA Tournament. Although the Cougars were eliminated in the opening round by Texas, scouts remained impressed by the way Dybantsa handled the pressure and responsibility of leading a nationally relevant program as a freshman. The strong season positioned him firmly among the favorites to become the first overall pick. His age, production, athletic profile, and offensive ceiling have made him one of the most intriguing prospects to enter the draft in recent years.
2. Dream Lineup Reveals Dybantsa’s Basketball Vision
At the Draft Combine, Dybantsa was asked to build his ideal starting lineup using current NBA players. His selections included LeBron James at point guard, Stephen Curry at shooting guard, himself at small forward, Kevin Durant at power forward, and Nikola Jokic at center. Before giving the lineup, Dybantsa jokingly admitted he might “get cancelled” for some of his choices, particularly because of the unusual positional arrangement. Still, the lineup reflected an emphasis on basketball IQ, shooting, versatility, and playmaking rather than traditional roster construction. One of the more memorable parts of his answer involved Curry. Dybantsa said the longtime Golden State Warriors star would be “strictly there to shoot,” a remark that immediately caught attention online. While the comment appeared playful, it also highlighted the respect young players continue to have for Curry’s unmatched shooting ability. Dybantsa’s familiarity with Curry goes beyond simply watching him in the NBA. In 2023, while attending Prolific Prep, Dybantsa participated in Curry’s basketball camp, giving him an opportunity to learn from one of the game’s most influential players before beginning his college career.
3. NBA Teams Prepare for Dybantsa Sweepstakes
As the draft approaches, attention has increasingly shifted toward which franchise will ultimately secure Dybantsa’s services. The Washington Wizards currently hold the No. 1 overall pick, placing them in prime position to potentially select the BYU standout and accelerate their rebuilding process. For teams near the top of the lottery, Dybantsa represents the type of prospect organizations rarely pass on. His combination of production, confidence, physical tools, and scoring instincts has drawn comparisons to several elite NBA wings who entered the league with similar expectations. Executives also appear encouraged by Dybantsa’s willingness to embrace the spotlight. Whether discussing basketball strategy, interacting with media, or handling draft attention, he has shown comfort navigating the growing pressure that comes with being considered the top player in his class. While questions about his long-term development will continue through the pre-draft process, few prospects have generated stronger momentum entering the summer. For now, Dybantsa remains focused on preparing for the next stage of his career as NBA franchises position themselves for the opportunity to build around one of basketball’s brightest young talents.