{"id":669423,"date":"2026-03-20T20:53:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T20:53:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/669423\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T20:53:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T20:53:16","slug":"byu-star-aj-dybantsas-mother-will-play-huge-role-in-2026-nba-draft-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/669423\/","title":{"rendered":"BYU star AJ Dybantsa\u2019s mother will play huge role in 2026 NBA Draft decision"},"content":{"rendered":"

AJ Dybantsa\u2019s college basketball<\/a> career might be over, but the BYU star\u2019s mother will play a bigger role than many might expect when it comes to his 2026 NBA<\/a> Draft decision.<\/p>\n

The Cougars exited March Madness with a first-round defeat against Texas in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. However, the BYU star freshman is still leaving the door open to returning to the powerhouse program next season.<\/p>\n

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MORE: Saint Louis mascot shows March Madness love for Buffalo Bills with NFL celebration<\/a><\/p>\n

According to Dybantsa, his mother will be the one making the choice for the highly-touted prospect. Many NBA Draft experts believe that Dybantsa is a lock to be a top-3 pick in June\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019mma go ask [my mom],\u201d Dybantsa said following Thursday\u2019s NCAA Tournament loss<\/a>. \u201cWhatever she says goes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, other top college stars like Kansas\u2019 Darryn Peterson and Duke\u2019s Cameron Boozer will also figure into the conversation for the number one overall pick. Dybantsa has posted higher scoring figures than both players this season.<\/p>\n

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Dybantsa lit up college basketball during his debut season with BYU, averaging over 25.5 points per game. During the loss to Texas, the Cougars standout dropped 35 points and 10 rebounds.<\/p>\n

MORE: Duke makes NCAA Tournament history after awful March Madness start<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s clear that Dybantsa is talented enough to take over games and carry that over to the NBA level next season if he decides to make the jump. However, Dybantsa\u2019s $4 million-plus NIL deal with BYU could certainly escalate to higher figures if he sticks around in college for another season.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The 2026 NBA Draft features many elite prospects, which does present the opportunity for NBA teams to improve their rosters. Last year\u2019s top pick Cooper Flagg has become an instant star for the Dallas Mavericks despite the team\u2019s struggles in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n

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