NBA scouts spend years chasing the best prospects on Earth. Contrary to what some people think, they get started long before they even take the court in college.
For years, AJ Dybantsa has been projected as the clear-cut favorite in his class. Some even claimed that he could’ve been the first-overall pick if he had been taken this year.
Nevertheless, Tobias Brass of The Athletic doesn’t seem to be too convinced. In his latest column, he argued that as many as three other players could challenge him for that selection.
AJ Dybantsa faces tough competition for No. 1 spot
“Dybantsa is one of the favorites to go No. 1 in the 2026 NBA Draft, and for good reason. However, the 2026 class isn’t as clear-cut as Cooper Flagg’s 2025 class,” wrote Bass. “This class has four prospects capable of going first, including Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson (Kansas), Cameron Boozer (Duke) and Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville).”
AJ Dybantsa
Needless to say, all of these players will have to prove their worth first. They will be in the spotlight 24/7, and even what they do off the court will impact their draft positioning.
Hopefully, all of them will be able to stay healthy and showcase their full potential in their freshman season, as the game is always better when the best players are on the court.
