AJ Dybantsa is making waves, and not just on the court. The BYU freshman phenom is already being touted as a top-three pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, possibly even snagging the coveted No. 1 spot. But while the path to the NBA seems like a no-brainer, Dybantsa is leaving fans guessing.
In the world of college basketball, it's almost a given that lottery picks jump straight to the NBA. Yet, Dybantsa has options. He could stay at BYU or even explore the transfer portal for new opportunities.
One compelling reason for him to remain in college is close to home. "Well, I might not leave," Dybantsa shared on a recent podcast.
"My mom wants me to graduate. I might not leave.
But I might leave." His decision remains up in the air, and we probably won't know his plans until the Cougars wrap up their season.
The idea of Dybantsa staying put is intriguing, even if it's a long shot. Financially, the gap between college and the NBA isn't as vast as it once was, especially with the earnings he's racking up at BYU. Plus, as long as he stays healthy, his draft stock is unlikely to take a hit.
On the court, Dybantsa is proving there's little left for him to conquer in college basketball. He's averaging an impressive 24.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His performance echoes past stars like Cooper Flagg, who once mused about the joys of college life, and even Carmelo Anthony, who considered a second year at Syracuse.
While heading to the NBA seems the most probable path, Dybantsa has always been one to forge his own way. That's exactly how he ended up at BYU, after all. So, while the league awaits his arrival, Dybantsa's next move remains one of the most captivating stories in college basketball.