The highly anticipated 2026 NBA Draft class is being celebrated as one of the most talented in basketball history, and former BYU standout AJ Dybantsa has his sights set on being the number one overall pick. He expressed a strong desire to secure this top position, firmly rejecting the common notion that draft positioning is unimportant. Having held the top ranking since the eighth grade, the elite wing player is determined to maintain his streak.

As the life-changing event approaches, Dybantsa has officially distanced himself from his childhood allegiances. In an exclusive interview snippet posted on X by NBA Base, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith asked Dybantsa about his loyalties, leading the star prospect to renounce his longtime Boston Celtics fandom.

Despite growing up in Massachusetts and frequently attending Celtics games, Dybantsa explained that he must prioritize his business aspirations over personal sentimentality as he transitions to the professional ranks.

“I’m a Celtics fan. I’ve been to multiple Celtics games… but now I’m not a Celtics fan anymore ‘cuz I’m about to get drafted. I’m not going to be a fan of them,” Dybantsa stated. “I told you I’m not a fan anymore, so I don’t really care what they do.”

Focusing entirely on his impending professional career, Dybantsa also revealed to Baseline Banter that he did not participate in any pre-draft workouts for NBA franchises. Even though the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz were closely evaluating the top prospects in the lottery, Dybantsa confidently skipped traditional on-court sessions.

He explained that teams are already aware of his extensive capabilities and have opted instead to limit his pre-draft activities to facility tours, city visits, and dinners. Though the magnitude of the situation hasn’t fully registered yet, Dybantsa anticipates that the true weight of his new reality will hit him on draft night.