MANHATTAN — In around 24 hours at the time of this writing, star BYU forward AJ Dybantsa will likely get picked either first or second overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. Whether the 19-year-old goes to the Washington Wizards at No. 1 overall or the Utah Jazz at No. 2, his goal for self-improvement will remain the same.
Dybantsa told ClutchPoints what area of his game he needs to work on the most during Monday’s pre-draft media availability.
I asked AJ Dybantsa what area of his game he wants to work on the most:
“I would probably say off-ball defense. It was a little struggle this year at BYU, just getting lazy. I gotta put more effort on that side.”
On how he can improve that:
“Just effort. Watching a lot of film… pic.twitter.com/UKy2YzuMne
— Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) June 22, 2026
“I would probably say off-ball defense,” he admitted. “It was a little struggle this year at BYU, just getting lazy. I gotta put more effort on that side.”
Dybantsa then revealed how he’ll get better in that regard.
“Just effort,” the 6-foot-9, 217-pounder said. “Watching a lot of film and being in position.”
The first step to improving an issue is acknowledging it, so Dybantsa’s self-awareness bodes well for his future. The 2026 consensus first-team All-American displayed explosive two-point scoring ability with the Cougars, but he wasn’t impactful on defense despite his size and athleticism.
There is plenty of film showing Dybantsa not sticking with his man off the ball at BYU, such as the clip below:
one of the biggest concerns surrounding aj during the pre draft cycle is his offball defense. awful communication here between dybantsa and #30. however, you see those long strides and he’s able to recover here. i do believe in the nba that’s a 3PA, though. pic.twitter.com/qHnVwchcYN
— riley ｼ (@rileyr_) June 21, 2026
In addition, Dybantsa averaged just 1.4 “stocks” (steals and blocks) over 34.8 minutes (35 games) as a freshman last season, also logging below-average block (1.7) and steal (1.1) percentages for his position. The stats and film both paint an unflattering picture on defense, but he made up for it by leading the country with 25.5 points per game on 51% shooting (33.1% 3-point).
Dybantsa carried the Cougars’ offense, as it ranked 35th nationally in efficiency despite his scoring output. The Big 12 Freshman of the Year’s focus on that side of the ball could’ve contributed to his lack of focus on the other, but he won’t have the same offensive load to start his career in Washington or Utah.
The Wizards inked All-Star point guard Trae Young to a four-year, $212 million deal on Monday, and he’ll organize the offense for as long as they have him. Additionally, the Jazz have 22-year-old point guard Keyonte George, who averaged 23.6 points on 45.6% shooting (37.1% 3-point) with 6.1 assists across 33.1 minutes (54 games) last season. Both teams also have All-Star frontcourt players in Anthony Davis (Wizards), Lauri Markkanen (Jazz) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (Jazz), as well as Rising Stars in center Alex Sarr (Wizards), wing Kyshawn George (Wizards), guard Ace Bailey (Jazz) and more. Basically, Dybantsa won’t have to be the first option for at least the majority of his rookie deal, which could help him focus on defense.
The good news is that the Massachusetts native has the tools and desire to improve on that weakness. The next step is to put his words into action.
AJ Dybantsa describes relationship with Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown
Another sign of Dybantsa’s hunger to improve is his willingness to listen to those who have been in his shoes. The 2025 McDonald’s All-American has been a top-ranked player since he was in high school, and now could be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
That’s why Dybantsa taps star Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant and star Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown for guidance.
I asked AJ Dybantsa if he’s tight with any NBA stars, and what advice they give him:
“I’m super tight with KD, Jaylen Brown. They just try to give me advice on how they came up being high school recruits, top college recruits and being top picks…” pic.twitter.com/avwd5MtInW
— Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) June 22, 2026
“I’m super tight with KD, Jaylen Brown,” he told ClutchPoints. “They just try to give me advice on how they came up being high school recruits, top college recruits and being top picks…”
Durant was a top high school prospect along with Greg Oden in 2006 before earning national college player of the year honors at Texas in 2007. Then, the Seattle Supersonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder) took the Maryland native No. 2 overall after Oden (Portland Trail Blazers) that year, and he’s now a 16-time All-Star and two-time Finals MVP.
Brown was also one of the highest-ranked players in the 2015 recruiting class along with Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram and Skal Labisserie. The Georgia native then earned Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors at UC Berkely the following year before the Celtics drafted him No. 3 overall after Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers) and Ingram (Los Angeles Lakers), and he’s now a five-time All-Star. He also won the Finals MVP award in 2024.
It remains to be seen whether Dybantsa will have a Durant or Brown-level NBA career, but there’s no reason to not believe in him as long as he stays healthy and coachable. Being a big, strong and fast wing who can scored at will from inside the arc in college is a promising foundation to build on.
Day 1 (first round) of the 2026 NBA Draft will be on Tuesday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN. Day 2 will be at the same time and on the same networks on Wednesday, with both events being held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The post How AJ Dybantsa plans to attack ‘lazy’ trait before NBA Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints.
