For months, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa has been considered the likely top pick in the NBA Draft, and his performance this season did nothing to change that perception. The first-team Associated Press All-American headlines a talented group of forwards that also includes Duke freshman Cameron Boozer and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson. Those three, paired with Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, make up the draft’s upper echelon heading into Tuesday night’s first round.
Here’s a closer look at the top forward prospects:
AJ Dybantsa, BYU
STRENGTHS: Dybantsa led the nation in scoring with 25.5 points per game, showcasing an elite ability to create his own shot and draw fouls. He also put up 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 51% from the field — all from a 6-foot-9, 217-pound frame built for the next level.
He set a BYU freshman scoring record with 43 points against Utah and shattered Kevin Durant’s freshman Big 12 Tournament record by dropping 40 on Kansas State. He topped the country in free throws made (229) and attempted (296), reaching the line at least 10 times in 15 separate games. Analytics firm Synergy graded him “Excellent” as a pick-and-roll ball handler (87th percentile, 27% of possessions) and in post-up situations (94th percentile, 10.9%). Against top-10 opponents, he averaged 26.9 points across seven games, including 35 in a loss to Final Four-bound Arizona and a near triple-double — 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists — in an upset win over sixth-ranked Iowa State.
CONCERNS: His three-point shooting needs work. He connected on just 33.1% from beyond the arc and struggled down the stretch, going 18-for-66 (27.3%) over the final month’s 12 games. Cutting down on turnovers — he averaged 3.1 per game — will also be a priority at the next level.
Cameron Boozer, Duke
STRENGTHS: The 6-foot-8, 253-pound son of former Duke and NBA player Carlos Boozer was a consistent force in the paint and became just the fifth freshman ever named AP men’s national player of the year. He averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, regularly finishing through contact with 55.6% shooting from the field and 78.9% from the free throw line. Synergy rated him “Excellent” against man defense (94th percentile), on post-ups (86th), and on spot-up shots (95th). He also shot 39.1% from three. His passing ability — 4.1 assists per game — out of double teams proved valuable, including a key assist on Isaiah Evans’ late three-pointer that beat Florida.
CONCERNS: Boozer relies more on strength and positioning than explosiveness, and doesn’t play above the rim. His difficult outing in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title game against Virginia’s elite rim protector Ugonna Onyenso — just 13 points on 3-for-17 shooting with four blocks — raised questions about how he’ll fare against bigger, longer defenders in the pros. His athleticism could also be tested when forced to guard quicker players on defensive switches.
Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
STRENGTHS: Wilson brings explosive athleticism, a relentless motor, a 7-foot wingspan, and a flair for the big moment. The 6-foot-9, 211-pound freshman averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds while excelling at the rim and in transition, earning second-team AP All-American honors. Against Kansas, he delivered 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals, showing off a soft touch on fading turnaround shots. He also shined against rival Duke and fellow top prospect Cameron Boozer, scoring 17 of his 23 points before halftime to keep the Tar Heels in it before Seth Trimble’s buzzer-beating three sealed the win. Wilson was pacing the nation in dunks with 66 before suffering a broken left hand in mid-February. He then broke his right thumb in practice just as he was nearing a return in March.
CONCERNS: He’ll need to add muscle to handle the physical demands of the NBA and extend his shooting range — he connected on just 25.9% from three. Defensive consistency is another area to watch, even with averages of 1.4 blocks and 1.5 steals per game.
Other Notable Forwards
— YAXEL LENDEBORG: A first-team AP All-American who helped Michigan claim its first NCAA title since 1989. The 6-foot-9, 241-pound forward has a wingspan exceeding 7-foot-3 and shot 37.2% from three at a career-high volume after posting 34.9% over two seasons at UAB. He gutted through ankle and knee injuries during the Final Four and championship game. At 23, he’s older than most prospects but could contribute immediately as a potential lottery pick.
— MOREZ JOHNSON JR.: Another contributor from Michigan’s title run, the 6-foot-9, 251-pound sophomore averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks and could be selected in the late lottery. His wingspan — measured better than 7-foot-3, ninth among 75 players at the combine — and versatility allow him to play forward or small-ball center. He has excelled as a cutter, in post-ups, and finishing at the rim.
— KARIM LOPEZ: The 6-foot-8, 222-pound native of Mexico has spent two seasons in Australia’s National Basketball League’s “Next Stars” developmental program, the same pipeline that produced lottery picks LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, and Alex Sarr. He averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds last season and brings versatility, athleticism, and a nearly 7-foot wingspan.
— ALLEN GRAVES: The 6-foot-8, 226-pound Graves earned West Coast Conference freshman of the year honors for Santa Clara’s NCAA Tournament team. He averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in just 22.6 minutes per game while shooting 41.3% from three and showing defensive upside with 0.9 blocks and 1.9 steals per game.
— KOA PEAT: The 6-foot-7, 245-pound Arizona freshman did most of his damage in transition, on post-ups, and as a roll man in pick-and-rolls. He tied for fifth at the combine in standing vertical leap at 34.5 inches, but showed little range — making just seven three-pointers — and Synergy rated his jumper “Below Average” at the 27th percentile.
— JOSHUA JEFFERSON: The second-team AP All-American from Iowa State brings a sturdy 6-foot-8, 246-pound frame. The senior averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, demonstrating the ability to both initiate offense and create open looks for teammates.
— ALEX KARABAN: The 6-foot-7, 225-pound redshirt senior from UConn could sneak into the late first round on the strength of his shooting (37.4% from three for his career) and length (6-foot-11 wingspan). A proven winner, Karaban was a full-time starter for UConn teams that won two NCAA championships and played for a third.
