CBB

AJ Dybantsa draws comparison to NBA legend

BYU star prospect AJ Dybantsa hasn't even made his college basketball debut, but he's already drawing comparisons to NBA Hall of Famers and legends of the game.

AJ Dybantsa (7)
© Ahmet Ozkan - ImagoAJ Dybantsa (7)

Brigham Young University star AJ Dybantsa is already turning heads with his basketball abilities. The small forward was one of the most sought-after high school prospects this year, receiving interest and visiting iconic programs such as Alabama, North Carolina and Kansas, among others, before committing to BYU in October.

Before he played with the Cougars, Dybantsa was invited to participate in the 2025 USA Men’s U19 National Team training camp, where he excelled and was named to the team after just seven days of training camp in Colorado Springs.

While there, he caused a huge impression on college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla, who compared the freshman to one of the best power forwards in NBA history, 2008 champion Kevin Garnett.

Advertisement

AJ Dybantsa draws Kevin Garnett comparison

“I’ll try to create a visual for BYUMBB fans for what to expect from AJ Dybantsa after watching him all week at @usabjnt Under 19 practices,” Fraschilla posted on X. “Best description is that if Kevin Garnett came back as a small forward with his intensity, athleticism & his team-first style, that’s who the Cougars have.”

AJ Dybantsa

AJ Dybantsa

Advertisement

With Dybantsa, four-star recruit Xavion Staton, and four-star Chamberlain Burgess, the Cougars have ambitious plans for the 2024-25 season. So much so that the forward said it was championship or bust for his squad.

25 highest-paid college basketball head coaches: Who earns the most?

see also

He’s not ducking any smoke. The team isn’t the strongest of all, but they already showed glimpses of what they could do last season when they made it to the Sweet 16 and were eliminated by Alabama.

Advertisement
ALSO READ
Dak Prescott issues strong message as Cowboys’ playoff hopes take a hit
NFL

Dak Prescott issues strong message as Cowboys’ playoff hopes take a hit

When could CeeDee Lamb return to play for the Cowboys after his Week 14 concussion?
NFL

When could CeeDee Lamb return to play for the Cowboys after his Week 14 concussion?

George Pickens delivers a calm response to Richard Sherman’s harsh criticism after the Cowboys’ loss
NFL

George Pickens delivers a calm response to Richard Sherman’s harsh criticism after the Cowboys’ loss

Are Cowboys eliminated from 2025 NFL playoffs after Week 14 loss to Lions on TNF?
NFL

Are Cowboys eliminated from 2025 NFL playoffs after Week 14 loss to Lions on TNF?

Better Collective Logo