The 2026 NBA Draft is just a few days away and the top pick is far from decided yet, but former BYU star and potential No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa is making it clear that his game speaks for itself.
During a recent appearance on the “Baseline Banter” podcast, he said he hasn’t completed a pre-draft workout with a single NBA team.
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“I didn’t work out for none,” Dybantsa said. “I just visited the cities — they take me to the facilities. They take me to dinner. Talk. I don’t have to work out. They know what I can do.”
Dybantsa is fresh off a phenomenal one-and-done season for BYU, leading all Division I players in points per game while showcasing his otherworldly athleticism and shot-creation.-
He remains one of the two favorites to go first overall, alongside former Kansas star guard Darryn Peterson.
At 6’9″ with an impressive frame, he has all the tools to make an impact at the NBA level. That doesn’t mean he’s a perfect prospect.
Dybantsa’s defensive awareness and reaction time left a bit to be desired at BYU as he was occasionally beaten on a backdoor cut or failed to make the correct rotation.
Additionally, his ball handling can appear risky at times and his looser handle can create turnover issues.
Regardless, he’s more than confident that teams can see how elite he is without having to workout before the draft. Time will tell if the Washington Wizards take him first or if they opt to go with Peterson or even former Duke star Cameron Boozer.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
