Nike Treats AJ Dybantsa as Clear Top Pick Ahead of 2026 NBA Draft

With the 2026 NBA Draft still months away, major sportswear brand Nike is already signaling its confidence in former AJ Dybantsa, treating the former BYU standout as the presumptive top selection.

Dybantsa, who first signed a high-profile NIL agreement with Nike in 2024 while emerging as one of the nation’s top prep prospects, has now elevated that partnership into a professional-level endorsement arrangement ahead of his NBA entry.

Although the official draft order has yet to be determined through the lottery, expectations across the basketball landscape strongly project Dybantsa as the leading candidate to hear his name called first in June.

His rapid rise has positioned him at the center of the draft conversation, overtaking other elite prospects in what has become a closely watched race for the top selection.

1. Rising Status In A Tight Draft Race

Throughout the 2025–26 college basketball season, Dybantsa’s performance helped solidify his standing among the top prospects in the class. At various points, Kansas standout Darryn Peterson was considered a strong competitor for the No. 1 spot, but fluctuations in late-season form shifted momentum toward Dybantsa. Scouts and analysts increasingly began to view the BYU product as the most complete and consistent option in the draft class, particularly given his two-way potential and athletic versatility. As the season progressed, consensus opinions gradually aligned around Dybantsa as the likely top pick, regardless of which franchise ultimately wins the lottery.

2. Decision To Enter Draft Finalized

Despite briefly entertaining the idea of returning to college, Dybantsa ultimately confirmed his decision to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft. He had previously mentioned a personal commitment to complete his education, but his trajectory toward the professional ranks became increasingly clear as the season concluded. The forward is currently training in Los Angeles, focusing on pre-draft preparation and refining his game ahead of team evaluations. His transition from college star to professional prospect marks the final step in a rapid ascent that began when he emerged as one of the most highly regarded recruits in his class.

3. Nike Partnership Reflects Long-Term Projection

Nike’s expanded relationship with Dybantsa underscores the brand’s belief in his long-term marketability and on-court potential. The company initially signed him as a top amateur prospect, but the new agreement reflects expectations that he will quickly become one of the NBA’s most visible young players. Dybantsa has also expressed interest in developing a signature shoe line in the future, hinting at creative concepts tied to personalized designs and colorways. As draft night approaches, projections from major outlets consistently place him at or near the top of mock drafts, reinforcing his status as the centerpiece of the 2026 class.