AJ Dybantsa Opens Up on NBA Draft Journey, Finals Experience, and Future

As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, few prospects have generated as much attention as AJ Dybantsa. The BYU standout is widely projected to be selected with the first overall pick, placing him at the center of discussions surrounding the future of the league.

Dybantsa enters the draft after a dominant freshman season in which he established himself as one of college basketball’s most complete players. His combination of scoring ability, athleticism, and versatility helped him emerge as a leading prospect while drawing comparisons to some of the NBA’s brightest young stars.

Despite the growing spotlight, the 19-year-old has spent recent months balancing basketball responsibilities with a series of experiences that have expanded his perspective beyond the court. From international travel to networking opportunities and attending the NBA Finals, Dybantsa has embraced a unique period leading up to one of the most important moments of his life.

In a wide-ranging conversation before draft night, Dybantsa discussed everything from his basketball development and family support system to his favorite hobbies and the NBA legends he hopes to face in the years ahead. His comments offered insight into both the player and the person preparing to enter the professional ranks.

1. Learning From the Biggest Stage

While preparing for the draft has been Dybantsa’s primary focus, he also had the opportunity to witness one of the most memorable games of the NBA season. Serving as a player correspondent during the NBA Finals allowed him to experience the atmosphere of the league’s biggest stage firsthand. Among the highlights was attending Game 4 at Madison Square Garden, where the New York Knicks rallied from a 29-point deficit in a dramatic comeback victory. Dybantsa described the contest as the most incredible game he has ever watched in person, noting the energy inside the arena as the comeback unfolded. The experience left a lasting impression on the young prospect. Watching elite players perform under immense pressure reinforced the type of environment he has dreamed about since childhood. Like many aspiring athletes, Dybantsa recalled practicing game-winning shots while counting down imaginary clocks in his driveway, envisioning himself in those moments one day. Beyond basketball, the pre-draft process has taken him across multiple countries and cities. Trips to Paris, Budapest, and New York exposed him to marketing opportunities, networking events, and major sporting competitions, giving him a broader understanding of the business side of professional athletics.

2. Family, Growth, and a Passion for Improvement

Dybantsa credits much of his development to the support and guidance of his family. Throughout his rise as a basketball prospect, his father has remained a constant presence, helping him navigate the challenges that accompany increased attention and expectations. According to Dybantsa, his father’s influence extends well beyond basketball. While he introduced him to the sport, the lessons that had the greatest impact involved life skills, discipline, and personal growth. Those values have helped shape how he approaches both success and adversity. His mother has played an equally important role. Dybantsa said she helped keep him grounded while teaching him about culture, character, and responsibility. With roots tracing back to both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Jamaica, he expressed pride in his heritage and appreciation for the sacrifices made by previous generations. His basketball journey accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he began dedicating himself more seriously to the game. Long drives to workouts, competing against older players, and a rapid physical growth spurt convinced him that basketball could become more than a hobby. As his skills improved, so did his belief that he could eventually reach the highest level of the sport.

3. Looking Ahead to the NBA

Even with widespread praise surrounding his potential, Dybantsa believes he is still far from reaching his ceiling as a player. He views that reality as one of the most exciting aspects of his career, knowing there is significant room for growth in several areas of his game. Offensively, he considers himself most dangerous when attacking the basket. His ability to score, create opportunities for teammates, and force defensive adjustments allows him to impact games in multiple ways. Defensively, he takes pride in his on-ball pressure and hopes to further improve as a help defender and playmaker away from the ball. Dybantsa also emphasized the importance of developing a reliable three-point shot. He believes modern NBA wings must consistently threaten defenses from long range and identified perimeter shooting as one of his priorities moving forward. His willingness to address weaknesses reflects a mindset focused on long-term improvement rather than immediate accolades. Away from basketball, Dybantsa described himself as relatively low-key. He enjoys activities such as golfing, fishing, attending concerts, and watching other sports. Looking ahead, he is eager for the opportunity to share the court with stars he admired growing up, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Yet among all the figures he hopes to meet one day, one name still stands above the rest: Michael Jordan.