While BYU star AJ Dybantsa led the No. 8 Cougars to a 78-76 preseason win over the No. 25 North Carolina Tar Heels, some Boston Celtics fans were already looking two years into the future. After a stellar performance where he tallied 18 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and three steals, Dybantsa’s name was on the lips of a fanbase reeling from a 0-2 start to their own season, creating an unusual connection between a college phenom and a struggling NBA franchise.
Why Are Celtics Fans Already Calling for AJ Dybantsa?
Following the Celtics’ 105-95 loss to the New York Knicks, their second consecutive defeat to open the 2025-26 campaign, fans took to social media to express their frustration. Many pointed to Dybantsa, a projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, as the solution to their team’s early-season woes, despite the promising debut of their rookie, Hugo Gonzalez.
One fan was already counting down the games until the Celtics could officially begin planning for the draft, tweeting, “80 games left to bring home AJ Dybantsa. Next year Celtics will be awesome!”
80 games left to bring home AJ Dybantsa. Next year Celtics will be awesome! 💪☘️
— ☘️☘️SuperLoumy☘️☘️ (@SuperLoumy) October 25, 2025
The sentiment was clear: for some, this season is already about positioning for the future. “This Celtics year is now just about Hugo and AJ Dybantsa,” another fan tweeted, suggesting the current season is a wash.
This Celtics year is now just about Hugo and AJ Dybantsa
— Eric (@ShorkHoops) October 25, 2025
Others found humor in the team’s struggles, with one user joking, “They are already thinking of AJ Dybantsa.”
They are already thinking of AJ Dybantsa 😂
— Da Tall Bebo☆ (@datallbebo) October 25, 2025
The pleas became more direct as another fan tagged the BYU star directly, begging, “yeah my celtics are going 0-2 @AJ_Dybantsa come help my franchise.”
How Does Dybantsa View His NBA Draft Prospects?
Amid the fan speculation, Dybantsa himself spoke about his future during the Big 12 media days on Wednesday. He showed no lack of confidence, offering a firm statement to NBA general managers about his career prospects and his potential fit at the next level.
“I’m one of the most versatile players in the country. If I was a GM, I’d draft myself, but it’s all about the fit. It’s all about the right feeling,” Dybantsa said.
The BYU star also addressed the anticipated battle for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft with fellow five-star prospect Darryn Peterson of the Kansas Jayhawks. ESPN currently favors Peterson to be the top selection.
MORE: Shaquille O’Neal’s Agent Clears the Air on His Role in AJ Dybantsa’s Career
“I think me and [Peterson] probably have similar mindsets, obviously, playing with him since I’ll say my freshman year,” Dybantsa said. “I don’t think he is too worried about [going No. 1]. I think he’s just really trying to prove himself as a college player and he’s probably got the same goal as me: to go out and win.”
In ESPN’s latest mock draft, Peterson narrowly edges out Dybantsa for the No. 1 spot. However, the competition for that top selection is fierce, with Duke Blue Devils star Cameron Boozer and Tennessee Volunteers’ Nate Ament also considered top contenders.