BYU’s AJ Dybantsa May Stay In College For Another Year Before Entering NBA Draft

March 16, 2026 | D.M. Fashion Book | Sports and Entertainment

Freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players in college basketball, and the expectation around the sport is clear: he’ll likely be one of the first names called in the upcoming NBA Draft.

But according to Dybantsa himself, leaving college after just one season at BYU isn’t a guarantee.

During a recent podcast appearance, the projected top pick revealed that there’s still a possibility he could remain in college for another year — a rare move for a player widely expected to be selected near the top of the draft.

“Well, I might not leave,” Dybantsa said. “My mom wants me to graduate. I might not leave. But I might leave.”

While the comment doesn’t signal any firm decision, it does open the door to a scenario that has become increasingly uncommon in the modern era of basketball. For decades, elite freshman prospects projected as lottery picks have almost always declared for the draft after their first collegiate season.

However, the evolving landscape of college athletics — particularly the rise of NIL opportunities — has changed the financial equation for star players. With significant endorsement deals already available at the college level, returning to school no longer carries the same financial sacrifice it once did.

Dybantsa has certainly lived up to the hype during his freshman campaign. The BYU standout is currently averaging 24.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, cementing his status as one of the most dominant players in the country.

Still, the possibility of returning wouldn’t be completely unprecedented. Last year, fellow superstar freshman Cooper Flagg spoke publicly about how much he enjoyed the college experience and entertained the idea of running it back for another season. Years earlier, Carmelo Anthony also considered staying at Syracuse Orange men’s basketball for a second year after winning a national title.

For now, Dybantsa’s focus remains on finishing the season strong with the Cougars. Any decision about his future will likely come once BYU’s postseason run concludes.

The overwhelming expectation remains that he will declare for the NBA Draft. But as Dybantsa made clear, the door — however slightly — is still open for him to do something few top prospects have done in recent decades: stay in college.