BYU will be represented very well in this year’s upcoming NBA Draft.
Most Cougar fans know that AJ Dybansta has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, but who will be joining him?
Junior guard Kennard Davis Junior declared for the NBA Draft as an early entrant in April, and senior guard Richie Saunders was invited to the draft combine.
Saunders spent his years as a Cougar quietly becoming one of college basketball’s most elite point guards. But an unfortunate ACL tear toward the end of his senior season left people wondering if he would be drafted.
BYU head coach Kevin Young praised Saunders on May 12 on ESPN during the combine.
“He’s just a great person and I think he did enough this season on the court for everybody to clearly realize that,” Young said. “I laugh because I think every team acts like it’s a secret that they love Richie, so I can’t wait to see exactly where he ends up going.”
AJ Dybansta is projected to be the No. 1 pick, heading to the Washington Wizards. While the Wizards do have the No. 1 pick, other teams can negotiate a trade.
So, at this point, it’s up in the air for Dybansta. In an interview with ESPN during the draft combine, Dybansta said he has a lot to bring to whichever team he ends up going to.
“Like I said, I’m super versatile,” Dybansta said. “I think I can bring a lot to the team on and off the court. I think I’ll play the game the right way, but I am exciting and I know I’ll fill seats.”
While Dybansta is expected to go No. 1 overall, Saunders is projected to be an early second round selection. But what about Kennard Davis Junior?
Davis entered the transfer portal and committed to the University of Missouri while also declaring for the NBA Draft. Since he is on the early-entry list for the 2026 NBA Draft, he has until June 13 to pull his name and play out his final collegiate season at Missouri.
It is unlikely he will be drafted, so don’t be surprised to see Davis play for the University of Missouri.
Dybansta and Saunders could join former BYU star Egor Demin in the NBA next year, representing Cougar Nation in the world’s biggest stage for professional basketball.