Fresh off a stunning performance at the Jimmy V Classic, AJ Dybantsa has vaulted into the spotlight as one of the most compelling NBA draft-ready prospects in college basketball. His breakout showing came during BYU Cougars’ electrifying comeback win over Clemson Tigers a game that may very well mark the true arrival of “Mega AJ.”
A Game for the History Books
Trailing by 21 points at halftime (43–22), BYU looked overmatched. But in the second half, Dybantsa took command. He erupted for 22 of his season-high 28 points after intermission, while also pulling down nine rebounds and dishing out six assists all career highs.
More impressively, during the final 20 minutes, Dybantsa outscored and out-assisted the entire Clemson squad: 22 points to their 21, and 5 assists to their 3. His 7-for-11 shooting in that half helped fuel a 45-21 BYU run that erased the deficit and set the stage for Robert Wright III’s buzzer-beating three.
This comeback stands as the largest second-half rally in BYU history.
Why Scouts Should Be Watching
- Versatility at size: At a physique that might suggest a traditional wing or forward, Dybantsa showed mid-range shooting, drives, post-touches and an ability to create for teammates all in one night. Observers noted his pick-and-roll awareness and ability to manufacture clean looks for others, especially via alley-oops to Keba Keita.
- Clutch gene: He didn’t just fill the box-score; he flipped momentum. The dunk that put BYU ahead in the final minutes a one-handed hammer in the lane showed both confidence and physicality under pressure.
- All-around production: Beyond scoring, Dybantsa contributed nine rebounds and six assists. This indicates potential for a play-making forward role valuable in today’s NBA where positional versatility is paramount.
- Bounce back under adversity: After a dismal first half (just 6 points), he adjusted and turned things around — a sign of mental toughness and resilience that scouts value highly at the next level.
What It Means for His NBA Prospects
A performance like this resets expectations. Prior to this game, Dybantsa was already viewed as a lottery-caliber freshman. Now he is one of the must-watch names in the 2026 draft class a player with on-court size, multi-skill toolbox, and the competitive instincts that NBA franchises covet.
Given this trajectory, Dybantsa has elevated himself into the serious “top-5” conversation among draft analysts. For scouting departments, he now becomes a clear priority for further film review and developmental tracking.
Broader Implications for BYU and College Basketball
This win boosts BYU’s national profile and adds serious weight to their 2025-26 campaign outlook. It also signals a resurgence of the “positionless forward” archetype in college basketball underscoring how players like Dybantsa may shape NBA scouting trends for years to come.
If he maintains this level of production and consistency over the season, this game may be remembered as the moment college basketball and the NBA realized just how rare a talent AJ Dybantsa really is.
