BYU sensation AJ Dybantsa took center stage at the 2026 NBA Combine in Chicago, showcasing his skills and wowing scouts with his impressive physical attributes.
The 6’8.5″ small forward tipped the scales at 217 pounds, with a remarkable wingspan of 7’1″ and a standing reach of 9’1″. His vertical jump also measured an impressive 40.5 inches, highlighting his athleticism and explosiveness.
Dybantsa’s Combine Performance
Dybantsa’s showcase at the combine wasn’t limited to just his physical measurements. He also turned in some impressive numbers in the five drills that comprised the on-court portion of the event. In the three-quarter court sprint, he posted a time of 3.07 seconds, ranking him second among all participants. His lane agility drill time of 10.94 seconds was ninth-best, while his shuttle run time of 2.95 seconds was tenth-fastest. He also recorded a 34.5 inch box jump, further underlining his athleticism.
BYU head coach Eric Alford praised Dybantsa’s hard work and dedication, saying, “A.J.’s always been a high-motor player, but he’s made significant strides in his conditioning and strength. He’s come a long way since his freshman year.”
NBA Scouts Weigh In
The combine is more than just a showcase of individual talent; it’s also an opportunity for scouts to assess a player’s fit within the NBA system. Several teams had representatives in attendance, and while some were impressed by Dybantsa’s overall package, others had concerns about his three-point shooting.
“A.J.’s got a lot going for him – the athleticism, the length, the scoring ability,” said one scout, who wished to remain anonymous. “But we need to see more out of him on the perimeter. He’s got to be able to stretch the floor, and while he’s made some shots from beyond the arc, it’s not a consistent part of his game yet.”
Mock Draft Projections
The 2026 NBA draft is still months away, but projections are already beginning to take shape. Some experts have Dybantsa pegged as high as the top 5, while others see him falling to the teens. One thing’s certain – the BYU star will be a highly sought-after commodity come draft night.
For now, Dybantsa remains focused on the present, working to perfect his craft and silence any doubters. With the way he’s performed at the combine, however, it’s hard to see him falling too far down the board.
