Before AJ Dybantsa takes the NBA by storm in the 2026 Draft, the former BYU standout already proved he's a champion in the classroom. With the NBA Combine wrapping up, news broke that Dybantsa maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA during his time with the Cougars. It's a rare feat for a top prospect—balancing elite-level basketball with academic excellence is no small task, and it speaks volumes about his discipline and focus.

Dybantsa made the most of his one-and-done season at BYU. As the nation's top recruit, he dominated the court, averaging 22.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He led the country in scoring and earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors. At 6-foot-9, he's a versatile wing who's drawn comparisons to some of the league's best, and his work ethic—both on and off the court—has scouts buzzing.

The big question now is where he'll land. The Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 pick, but whispers about Dybantsa's fit in D.C. are growing louder. Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz sit at No. 2, and the chance to stay close to Salt Lake City—where he played his college ball—could be a tempting factor. Whether he goes first overall or not, one thing's clear: whoever drafts Dybantsa is getting a true "student of the game" with a perfect GPA to match his game.

The 2026 NBA Draft is set for June 23-24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and Dybantsa is just one of several top prospects—like Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson—who are ready to make their mark. For now, fans can appreciate that this star isn't just a scorer; he's a scholar, too.