AJ Dybantsa, a 19-year-old [1] forward from Brigham Young University, has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft [2].
As a top candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick [3], Dybantsa represents one of the most anticipated prospects entering the professional circuit. His transition from collegiate athletics to the NBA signals a shift in the league's talent pipeline as young stars opt for professional careers earlier.
During the NBA Draft Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dybantsa used a pre-draft interview to discuss the players who have inspired his game [4]. The event served as a platform for the forward to reflect on his influences before turning professional.
Standing six feet nine inches tall [5], Dybantsa has garnered attention for his physical profile and skill set. He used the interview to address his long-standing allegiance to the Boston Celtics, though he noted that his status as a supporter is changing.
"This is my last year being a Celtics fan," Dybantsa said [6].
Following the combine activities on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the athlete made his formal announcement the following day. He confirmed his decision to leave the collegiate level to pursue a career in the NBA [2].
"I'm officially declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft," Dybantsa said [7].
His declaration marks the end of his tenure at BYU and the beginning of a high-stakes transition into the professional ranks. The move is expected to draw significant interest from franchises looking for versatile forward talent.
“"This is my last year being a Celtics fan."”
Dybantsa's entry into the draft as a projected No. 1 pick places him in a position of immense leverage and scrutiny. By publicly distancing himself from his fandom of the Boston Celtics, he signals a mental transition from a spectator to a peer among the league's elite. His move reflects a broader trend of elite collegiate talent accelerating their path to the NBA to maximize their professional earning potential and developmental growth.
