1 / 3

BYU's AJ Dybantsa (3) soars in for a windmill dunk against Arizona State in a Big 12 men's basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at the Marriott Center in Provo.

Courtesy BYU Photo

2 / 3

BYU guard Richie Saunders (15) prepares to shoot a 3-point basket as Kansas guard Tre White (3) defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan.

Colin E. Braley, AP Photo

3 / 3

BYU's Keba Keita (13) dunks against Clemson in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025.

Courtesy BYU Photo

❮ ❯

AJ DYBANTSA

6-9 Fr. F BYU

Strengths: Dybantsa has elite positional size, strength and movement skills, and he thrives attacking downhill and in the midrange. He excels at drawing fouls and playing through contact. He grew into a more mature, decisive player between November and March, and showed growth in getting teammates involved as a passer.

Weaknesses: At this stage, he doesn’t impact the game much without the ball in his hands. Dybantsa is inconsistent shooting from long range and will have to keep defenses honest to hit his ceiling as a player. Continuing to sharpen his handle to make it even harder to keep him out of the paint, will help. He has the capacity and physicality to be a great defender, but didn’t create many turnovers at BYU and needs to better apply himself on that end.

The verdict: Viewed as a potential No. 1 pick since his freshman year of high school, Dybantsa managed to exceed expectations at BYU, leading D-I in scoring while shooting 51% and improving as the season went along. He reminded NBA teams of just how special his offensive tool kit is, with his trajectory comparing favorably to star wings including Kawhi Leonard and Jaylen Brown. He looks the part as a franchise player, but he will have to continue expanding his game on both ends to get there.

RICHIE SAUNDERS

6-5 Sr. G BYU

Strengths: Prior to his ACL injury, Saunders was one of the most efficient offensive players in college basketball. He averaged 18.0 points and shot 48.9% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. Analysts praise his competitiveness, motor, and defensive awareness. He is viewed as a ready-made “glue” player who fits well in modern NBA spacing.

Weaknesses: Evaluators note a lack of elite creation ability and top-tier defensive upside. Additionally, his draft stock dropped due to a lower leg injury and torn ACL suffered late in the season.

The verdict: Despite the injury, ESPN draft analysts like Jeremy Woo project Saunders as a mid-to-late second-round pick, with potential landing spots including the Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat.

KEBA KEITA

6-8 Sr. F BYU

Strengths: Keita has a 7-foot wingspan and explosive leaping ability, creating a player who is an elite rim protector. He is a ferocious finisher around the rim and reliable in the pick and roll. His defensive versatility and quick feet allow him to excel in aggressive, switching defensive schemes. He is a relentless offensive rebounder.

Weaknesses: At 6-8 and 230 pounds, Keita is somewhat undersized to play the five in the modern NBA. He relies almost exclusively on dunks, tip-ins and alley-oops on the offensive end. His passing and decision making is limited. He is also a 50-55% free throw shooter.

The verdict: Despite his offensive limitations, Keita has been a workhorse during the pre-draft process, showcasing for nearly a dozen NBA teams including Brooklyn, Sacramento and the LA Lakers. While his name is missing from notable mock drafts, scouts value his energy and effort, viewing him as a potential player who could eventually earn spot minutes or a two-way contract.

(Compiled from various online reports)