She’s the Big Boss: AJ Dybantsa Opens Up on NBA Decision After BYU Exit

AJ Dybantsa may have played his final game for BYU Cougars, but his next move is not entirely his own. Following a standout performance in BYU’s tournament exit, the projected top NBA prospect revealed that his future decision will come down to a conversation with one key figure in his life. As NBA draft buzz intensifies, Dybantsa made it clear that his mother remains the ultimate voice in what comes next.

Krishna Sagar
March 21, 2026
4 min read

She’s the Big Boss: AJ Dybantsa Opens Up on NBA Decision After BYU Exit — Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

For most elite prospects, the path to the NBA feels almost predetermined. One standout season. A dominant run. Then the inevitable leap to the next level. AJ Dybantsa has followed that script almost perfectly. From the moment he stepped onto the college stage, he looked like a future NBA star.

His scoring ability, physical tools, and confidence immediately set him apart. By the time the postseason arrived, he was no longer just a promising freshman.

He was a projected top pick, with some outlets already placing him at the very top of the 2026 NBA Draft. And yet, even with that momentum, his future is not locked in. Not yet.

Because as much as the basketball world expects Dybantsa to take the next step, he is taking a different approach. One that starts at home.

1. “She’s the Big Boss”

After BYU’s loss to Texas Longhorns, Dybantsa faced the inevitable question about his future. Would he stay in college or declare for the NBA Draft? His answer was honest and revealing.

“She’s kind of the big boss,” Dybantsa said, referring to his mother. “Just talk to her and see what she says.” It was a moment that instantly stood out.

In an era where many young stars confidently declare their intentions, Dybantsa chose to emphasize something else entirely. Trust. Guidance. Family. He did not rush into a decision. Instead, he made it clear that the most important conversation has not happened yet.

Dybantsa added that he expects clarity soon. He plans to sit down with his family and make a decision in the coming weeks. While the timeline is short, the significance of the choice is enormous.

2. A Freshman Season to Remember

Earlier in the month, he had already hinted that staying for another year was not completely off the table. “They can assume. I ain’t say anything,” he said on a podcast appearance. That ambiguity only added to the intrigue.

Because while the basketball world sees a near-certain lottery pick, Dybantsa is still weighing every angle.If this was indeed his final college game, Dybantsa made sure it would not be forgotten.

He delivered a sensational performance against Texas, finishing with 35 points and 10 rebounds. It was a display of scoring, composure, and resilience, even as BYU struggled to keep pace as a team. At one point, he accounted for more than half of his team’s early offense.

Even opposing coach Sean Miller acknowledged the challenge. “We tried a lot of different things. And again, he had 35,” Miller said. That performance was historic in its own right. Dybantsa became the first freshman to score 35 points in his March Madness debut, further solidifying his status as one of the most exciting young players in the country.

3. NBA Future Looks Inevitable

Despite Dybantsa’s brilliance, BYU could not find enough support around him.He was the only player on the roster to eclipse 14 points and five rebounds in the game. Meanwhile, Texas controlled the glass and received balanced scoring across its lineup, ultimately securing a 79-71 victory. The contrast was clear. Dybantsa looked ready for the next level. The rest of the team struggled to keep up. That reality may also play a role in his upcoming decision.

Even without an official declaration, the expectations surrounding Dybantsa are impossible to ignore. Multiple projections have him as a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Some see him going No. 2. Others believe he could rise to No. 1, depending on how the final evaluations unfold.

His freshman season numbers back up the hype. He averaged over 25 points per game while maintaining impressive efficiency. He consistently delivered 20-point performances and quickly became one of the most reliable scorers in college basketball. BYU head coach Kevin Young summed it up best.

“I think I’ll look back in 20 years and just have a lot of joy knowing that I was able to be a part of his story,” Young said. “There were moments in tonight’s game that he looked like an NBA player.” For all the projections, performances, and expectations, Dybantsa’s mindset remains grounded. He is not rushing. He is not chasing headlines.Instead, he is taking a step back and leaning on the people who have guided him to this point.