AJ Dybantsa explodes for 43 points and targets first pick in 2026 NBA Draft

AJ Dybantsa continues to make an impact and establishes himself as the undeniable candidate for the first pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The BYU freshman delivered an exceptional performance with 43 points in the Cougars’ 91-78 victory over Utah, setting a new record for a freshman in the university’s history.

In 36 minutes of play, the 6’9″ forward shot 15/24 from the field, including a remarkable 4/5 from 3-point range and 9/10 from the free-throw line. He also contributed 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block, surpassing the previous record held by legend Danny Ainge.

A generational talent that impresses opponents and observers

Dybantsa’s performance left an impression on both benches. « He’s a generational talent, he showed what he’s capable of tonight. We don’t know how far he can go, » said Alex Jensen, Utah’s coach. His counterpart Kevin Young was even more enthusiastic: « He is, without a shadow of a doubt, the undisputed first pick in the next NBA Draft, and he proved it tonight. »

The player himself explained his surge: « When I got to 26 points, (Rob Wright III) and (Tyler Mrus) were telling me: ‘Keep being aggressive.’ But Tyler literally told me: ‘Hey, you better get 40.’ I looked at the scoreboard, and I thought: ‘I could actually do this.' »

The end of the game was particularly spectacular for Dybantsa, who hit three consecutive 3-pointers before finishing with a powerful dunk, completing an 11-0 personal run to seal the victory. This sequence perfectly illustrates the young prodigy’s offensive versatility, capable of dominating in all areas.

BYU freshman forward, AJ Dybantsa, says this freshman class is crazy after learning he was one of three to put up 40+ points in the same day. pic.twitter.com/qK8udWQWlr

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 25, 2026

The race for the first pick of 2026 takes shape

With this new show of force, AJ Dybantsa strengthens his position as favorite for the 2026 Draft, even though the competition remains fierce with players like Darryn Peterson from Kansas and Cameron Boozer from Duke. According to ESPN, which ranked him second behind Peterson last November, the gap could well be reversed after such performances.

At 18 years old, Dybantsa already displays impressive maturity and an ability to elevate his team’s level in crucial moments. For NBA scouts, this type of performance only confirms his potential as a franchise player, combining size, explosiveness, touch and court vision.

Experts’ way too early 2026 NBA Mock Draft pic.twitter.com/01i57i8JKX

— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) June 27, 2025