When a generational talent says he wants to stay home, the basketball world listens. That's exactly the buzz surrounding BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches.
Dybantsa, widely projected as a top-3 pick and a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall selection, recently dropped a hint that's got the league talking: he'd love to keep calling Utah home after his standout season with the Cougars.
Let's rewind a bit. Dybantsa was the highest-rated recruit in the 2025 class when he committed to BYU, making history as the most decorated prospect the program has ever landed. That blockbuster decision didn't happen in a vacuum. Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and CEO Danny Ainge—both BYU alumni—played a key role in wooing him. Add in a reported NIL package estimated between $5 and $7 million, and it's clear Dybantsa's ties to the Beehive State run deep.
His connection to Utah goes beyond college. After spending his senior season at Utah Prep, Dybantsa headed to Provo. Now, whispers from the 2026 NBA Combine suggest he's hoping to continue that journey with the Jazz, who hold the No. 2 pick.
"He's been in Utah for two years now—one at Utah Prep, one at BYU," wrote Adam Finklestein of CBS Sports. "His family is with him, they've grown to love the state, and they're hoping to stay. That has some wondering if we could see some 'workout shenanigans' where Dybantsa might refuse to work out for Washington in hopes of forcing his way to Utah."
Still, Finklestein notes that Dybantsa's camp has reportedly indicated they're not interested in playing that game—despite their clear preference for the Jazz.
It's a two-way street. The Jazz front office already has a vested interest in Dybantsa through their support of BYU athletics. Meanwhile, the young star has grown comfortable in Utah and sees the Jazz as his ideal landing spot.
The big question: what happens if the Washington Wizards take Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick? Would he push for an immediate trade to Utah? With the first round tipping off on June 23, the basketball world is watching closely. Will Dybantsa pull an "Eli Manning" and steer his own destiny? Only time—and the draft lottery—will tell.