After much build-up, the 2026 NBA Draft is finally here. One of the most illustrious classes in recent memory is waiting in the wings to see where they go to begin their NBA dreams. BYU star AJ Dybansta is expected to be the No.1 pick.
Dybansta entered the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Tuesday with a special someone. Not physically, but spiritually. He donned a pin that was in tribute to the late Kentucky player Terrence Clarke, per his Instagram account.
The pin read “TC 5”. Clarke was killed in a car accident in April 2021. He was only 19 years old.
AJ Dybantsa is wearing a TC 5 pin in honor of the late Terrence Clarke tonight at the NBA Draft
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: @AJ_Dybantsa) pic.twitter.com/gvYphq2qvN
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 23, 2026
Dybansta grew up in Boston, as did Clarke. Clarke was Dybansta’s idol growing up, as he became a standout talent at Brewster Academy in New England. Along the way, Clarke became a five-star recruit and stood out amongst the 2021 NBA Draft class before his untimely death.
Afterward, Dybansta took it upon himself to carry on his legacy. In high school, Dybansta won a dunk contest and dedicated it to Clarke. Overall, he is looking to become the first Boston-area player to be drafted in the last 41 years.
Meanwhile, Dybansta is coming off a stellar first year at BYU. He averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Along the way, he shot 51% from the field and 33.1% from the 3-point line.
Dybansta is expected to be drafted by the Washington Wizards, who locked up the No.1 pick during the NBA Draft Lottery in May. In many ways, Dybansta takes after Clarke in terms of his play. He is versatile, plays with sheer confidence, and has excellent shot selection.
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