AJ Dybantsa has been turning heads long before playing a minute of college basketball. Widely regarded as the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2025, Dybantsa continues to back up the hype with dominant performances. He most recently did that by leading Team USA to gold at the FIBA U19 World Cup, where he was named tournament MVP.
An explosive athlete with a knack for throwing down dunks that light up the crowd, the BYU commit recently teased the idea of participating in the NBA Dunk Contest someday. Still, he knows there is one superstar whose dunking brilliance would be tough for anyone to top.
AJ Dybantsa Eyes Dunk Contest, But Knows Mac McClung Set the Bar High
Speaking to ESPN’s SportsCenter, Dybantsa said he could see himself competing in the NBA Dunk Contest one day. But he quickly acknowledged the challenge of living up to the high bar set by three-time champion Mac McClung.
“I do have bounce, but after seeing what Mac McClung’s done…I don’t think I can do that,” said. “If the opportunity comes, I’ll definitely take a look at it and will see if I’m in it.”
AJ Dybantsa on possibly doing the NBA dunk contest:
“I do have bounce but after seeing what Mac McClung’s done…I don’t think I can do that. If the opportunity comes, I’ll definitely take a look at it and will see if I’m in it” pic.twitter.com/tiU0kJoyjt
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 17, 2025
At the recent Sprite Jam Fest, Dybantsa leapt over WNBA star Angel Reese for a perfect 50, giving fans a glimpse of what he might bring to the NBA Dunk Contest.
Dybantsa knows how tough the competition will be if he ever enters the NBA Dunk Contest, especially with Mac McClung setting the standard.
At the 2025 All-Star Weekend, McClung made history as the first player to win the dunk contest three years in a row. He also became the second player to win it three times, joining Nate Robinson, who claimed titles in 2006, 2009, and 2010.
The first three-peat in #ATTSlamDunk history 👏👏
ALL 12 OF MAC MCCLUNG’S DUNKS: pic.twitter.com/CFxzij5Xf7
— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2025
With McClung owning the spotlight in recent years, Dybantsa could be next in line to take center stage. But before that, he is focused on his freshman season at BYU and continuing to rise professionally.
AJ Dybantsa Eyes Deep Tournament Run in First Year at BYU
BYU finished last season 26–10, reaching the Sweet 16 before falling to Alabama. Expectations are even higher this year, and Dybantsa is not shying away from them. Speaking to ESPN, he clarified that the bar has been raised.
“Sweet 16 is the bare minimum since. We couldn’t do it last year,” he said. “So just trying to get further than that.”
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Head coach Kevin Young enters his second season with what might be the most anticipated team in BYU history.
The pairing of Dybantsa and veteran wing Richie Saunders has the potential to be one of the most dynamic duos in the country. At the same time, freshman Rob Wright III is expected to step in smoothly at point guard following the departures of Egor Demin and Dallin Hall.
A Final Four run could be well within reach if the Cougars can tighten up on the defensive end.
