AJ Dybantsa Profiles As Big Wing 'The NBA Is Looking For'

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AJ Dybantsa, who recently committed to BYU, is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

"He's what the NBA is looking for," said a NBA front-office executive, who was granted anonymity so they could speak freely. "Wings with legitimate size that understand the game, can create offense and then, in theory, can guard multiple guys."

Dybantsa was measured during his September visit to Kansas at 6-foot-8 1/2 in socks with a 7-1 wingspan, according to his father Ace Dybantsa. His height is up half an inch from the beginning of the year.

"AJ is the total package on and off the floor," said Ryan Bernardi, his coach at Prolific Prep. "He is extremely respectful, he's charismatic, great personality. ... I believe these traits were instilled in him by his parents."

Unlike top prospects in the past, Dybantsa will make a significant amount of money before entering the NBA. Dybantsa is even earning $600,000 from Utah Prep, with the deal including an ownership stake. Montverde Academy in Florida reportedly offered $1 million.

"People just gonna talk, but I (didn't) even know how much I'm getting. They just tell my dad all of that," Dybantsa said. "I'm trying to make it to the NBA, so wherever they can get me the fastest there with the best development, there's a whole lot of pillars that come with it. Money's going to come if I do the work, so I'm not worried about the money in a year."

Dybantsa has also developed a reputation for being singularly focused on basketball and school. During the summer, Dybantsa did three workouts per day as opposed to the typical two.