The future of one of college basketball’s biggest stars may not be as clear as many expected.
AJ Dybantsa — widely projected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft — recently raised eyebrows when discussing his future, suggesting that leaving college immediately might not be a guarantee.
The freshman star for the BYU Cougars men’s basketball has been one of the most dominant players in college basketball this season, averaging 24.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting over 52% from the field. His elite scoring ability, size, and versatility have made him one of the most exciting young prospects in the sport.
Because of that production, many scouts and analysts have assumed that Dybantsa would be a one-and-done player, heading straight to the NBA as the likely top selection in the draft.
But according to recent comments, the star freshman isn’t ruling out the possibility of staying in college longer.
“I might not leave college,” Dybantsa said when discussing his future plans after the season — a statement that immediately sparked conversation across the basketball world.
For a player projected to be the No. 1 overall pick, returning to school would be an extremely unusual decision. Top prospects with that level of draft stock almost always declare for the NBA as soon as they are eligible.
However, the modern landscape of college basketball has changed dramatically with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which now allow elite players to earn millions while still competing at the college level.
That reality has created a scenario that didn’t exist even a few years ago: players with professional-level talent can now make significant money without immediately leaving for the NBA.
Dybantsa’s situation highlights just how much the sport has evolved.
Still, there are many factors that will ultimately influence his decision.
NBA draft position, team success in March Madness, NIL opportunities, and long-term development goals will all likely play a role in determining whether the BYU star remains in college or takes the leap to the professional level.
For now, the freshman continues to focus on finishing his season strong.
Dybantsa recently delivered another impressive performance, scoring 23 points while adding six rebounds and six assists in BYU’s latest game. It was yet another reminder of why NBA scouts view him as a potential franchise cornerstone at the next level.
His combination of scoring ability, athleticism, and playmaking makes him one of the most complete prospects in recent draft classes.
Because of that, the expectation around the league remains that Dybantsa will eventually declare for the NBA Draft.
But his recent comments suggest the door might not be fully closed on the idea of staying in college.
If that were to happen, it would be one of the most shocking decisions in modern college basketball — and it would instantly reshape the landscape of the sport for another year.
For now, though, the biggest storyline surrounding one of basketball’s brightest young stars remains simple:
The projected No. 1 pick’s future may not be decided just yet.
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