NBA Draft Notes: AJ Dybantsa, Caleb Wilson, scout’s take

BYU’s time in the NCAA Tournament ended in the first round Thursday, but AJ Dybantsa didn’t blink.

The projected top pick poured in 35 points in a loss to Texas, reinforcing what many scouts already believe. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Dybantsa may have entered the week as the frontrunner for No. 1, with some questions lingering around the health of Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and how Duke’s Cameron Boozer projects athletically long term.

No one sees any of that trio slipping far. In fact, some teams view Boozer as an ideal fit in certain situations.

Wilson gaining ground

Also keep an eye on Caleb Wilson.

The North Carolina forward’s season ended early due to injury, but his stock hasn’t taken a hit. Comparisons to Chris Bosh and Evan Mobley continue to surface, and evaluators see him firmly in the top five.

“I don’t think anyone is taking Wilson No. 1 overall,” one GM said. “But I think every team is going to have him above one of those other three guys.”

Deep class, real options

This class has scouts buzzing, especially in the backcourt. Some around the league see it as the strongest guard group in years, with lottery-level talent potentially sliding well into the 20s.

“There’s just too much opportunity,” one scout told Fischer of the No. 1 pick. “You could trade down and still get an All-Star.”

Translation: This draft may be about depth as much as star power.