Utah Prep star AJ Dybantsa shocked the basketball community on Tuesday when he announced that he is going to Brigham Young University Cougars in college instead of other top teams.
Among the teams that vied for his signature are Duke, Alabama, North Carolina, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, and UConn.
He explained that he chose BYU because of its development program that will get him prepared for the big leagues.
Another reason behind his selection is the fact that BYU has one of the top trainers that created one of the best players ever to play the game.
“A lot stood out on my visit. Obviously, coach Kevin Young there. My ultimate goal is to get to the NBA,” Dybantsa said in an interview with ESPN during his announcement.
“He coached one of my favorite players — my favorite player of all-time — Kevin Durant. And (Young) had high praise about him when I went on my visits.”
As early as now, the 17-year-old is already turning heads among NBA scouts. He is projected to become the no. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
AJ Dybantsa’s NBA plans are concrete already
Dybantsa is betting on himself and he knows his worth. He believes he can be NBA ready by 2026 and when that happens, he warned that he better not be partnered with his childhood idol.
His father thinks he will be a great for the Phoenix Suns and the younger Dybantsa agreed. The latter even thinks it is going to be scary.
“They better not let me get KD as my vet. Don’t do that.”
The 6’9 forward already has the wares as an offensive player like KD. Scouting reports say his ceiling is Tracy McGrady who also happens to be someone he is copying.
“KD my favorite player and I take a lot from his game, but I don’t play like him,” AJ Dybantsa admitted. “I play like a mix of Tracy McGrady and Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander].”
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