While most fans are currently tuned into NBA playoff action, the NBA Draft will be the most prominent event in June after the NBA Finals. With talented young players such as AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer emerging as prominent figures in the draft, the NBA Draft is bound to be an exciting one.
Among the several players rated as top prospects, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa is particularly noteworthy. After a dominant season in college, the freshman forward has earned acclaim and is considered by many to be one of the most talented players in this year’s draft.
As the hype continues to build around Dybantsa, the forward addressed questions about himself during a recent episode of the “All The Smoke” podcast. When discussing his inspiration and the players he has modeled his game on, however, fans may have even more reason to be excited about the 19-year-old.
“My favorite player is Kevin Durant, easy one,” Dybantsa stated. “But the comp I got recently was Tracy McGrady, so I’ve been studying a lot of Tracy. But I love Paul George, Kawhi, Brandon Ingram, Tatum, Brown, Shai, Luka, Ant Edwards, the list goes on.”
At this point, show host Stephen Jackson had to acknowledge that although Dybantsa named Kevin Durant and Tracy McGrady as his icons, the 19-year-old plays with more passion than either of those players. Regardless, if Dybantsa can live up to these comparisons, he could be spectacular.
Both Durant and McGrady boasted length, athleticism, and versatility, making them a nightmare for opposing defenders. Considering that AJ Dybantsa is widely viewed as an elite three-level scorer with the athleticism and ability required to shoulder a team’s offensive burden, he could very well live up to such expectations.
While AJ Dybantsa’s former trainer has also emphasized Kevin Durant’s influence on his playing style, there will inevitably be some risks. But considering that his floor is expected to be Andrew Wiggins, it is safe to say that the forward’s chances of being a bust are slim.
During the 2025-26 season at BYU, AJ Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 51.0% from the field and 33.1% from three-point range.
In 35 games, Dybantsa established himself as one of the best players in BYU’s lineup, helping the team notch a 23-12 record, securing 7th place in the Big 12. Unfortunately, despite being the sixth seed in the West going into the NCAA tournament, BYU suffered a 79-71 loss to Texas (11th seed in the West) in the round of 64.
Currently, AJ Dybantsa is viewed as one of the favorites to be selected by the Washington Wizards with the first overall pick. However, some reports suggest that the Wizards’ plans are relatively unknown, hinting at the possibility of the forward dropping down the draft order.
Some reports have also indicated that the forward wants to stay in Utah, potentially forcing his way to the Jazz. Given that the Jazz are also rumored to be planning ways to move up in the draft, it can be assumed that this could be a viable course of action for both parties.
