Every year, the nation watches as teams disappoint, thrill and shock with their performances in the NCAA Tournament.
Aptly coined “March Madness,” the tournament gives any team a chance to stun fans and make a championship run.
But even in a tournament defined by unpredictability, having a strong starting five still matters. That raises the question: What combination of BYU players would give the Cougars the best chance to win it all?
With the 2026 NCAA Tournament now complete, I asked diehard BYU fans to build their dream starting lineup. Here’s what they had to say:
Most lineups were built around a core of Jimmer Fredette, Danny Ainge and AJ Dybansta. The final two spots, however, were up for debate.
Jimmer Fredette
“He can shoot a three from Mars and overall just scores a lot of points,” said Katelyn Price.
“One of the best shooters the NCAA has ever seen. His ability to pull up from anywhere on the court spaces the floor perfectly for the other stars on this team. We never got to see Jimmer compete in the tournament with a dominant big, but that would change in this scenario,” said Tyler Sheffield.
“Shooting guard for 3,” Megan Roberts said.
“I would have to go with Jimmer, obviously. Best shooter in the history of BYU and one of the best shooters of all time at the college level. I think he would fit great with the guys I’m going to mention below because of his ability to space the floor. Defense will be tough though,” said Carson Ricks.
Danny Ainge
“He has crazy ball knowledge and is a good point guard who can make game-time decisions,” Price said.
“He led BYU further in the tournament than we have gone before or after. The perfect leader for a BYU All-Star team,” Sheffield said.
“He’s a point guard who can score,” Roberts said.
“Also pretty obvious. Player of the Year in ’81 and an NBA great. Elite playmaker who can help get AJ and Jimmer involved and will be playing harder than anyone on the court,” Ricks said.
AJ Dybansta
“He’s really good at scoring in the paint and also good PR,” Price said.
“The most talented basketball player to ever don a BYU uniform. There is no way we can leave AJ off this list. His ability to score is unrivaled,” Sheffield said.
“Do-it-all small forward,” Roberts said.
“It might be a little premature, but I think AJ has earned the right to be here. One of the most hyped prospects ever and has shown no signs of slowing down. Absolute bucket getter with the ability to shut down an opposing team’s best player,” Ricks said.
The debate for the final spots
Fans were more divided when it came to rounding out the lineup, with several former Cougar standouts receiving consideration.
Shawn Bradley brought size and defensive dominance.
“He’s a really massive dude who was really good defensively and adds size to the team,” Price said.
“At 7-foot-6, one of the best defensive players you could have on the team. Gives insane length and doesn’t need to contribute much offensively,” Ricks said.
Kyle Collinsworth earned praise as a versatile contributor.
“He’s a glue guy that brings energy and size to the team,” Price said.
Devin Durrant was highlighted for his scoring ability.
“The perfect stretch four on this team. If this team wants to win it all, it needs a knockdown scorer,” Sheffield said.
Kresimir Cosic stood out as a dominant all-around big.
“He is a dominant interior threat a true contender needs,” Sheffield said.
“Probably our best forward all time. Can pass, shoot and distribute effectively while also dominating in the post,” Ricks said.
While opinions may differ, one thing is clear — BYU’s basketball history offers no shortage of talent capable of competing on the sport’s biggest stage.