AJ Dybantsa captured MVP honors at the FIBA U19 World Cup, leading Team USA to gold. The incoming BYU freshman has his sights set on an even bigger prize: Representing the United States at the 2027 World Cup in Qatar alongside Duke’s Cooper Flagg.
What Are AJ Dybantsa’s Plans for the 2027 World Cup?
Coming off his MVP performance, where he averaged 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in seven games, Dybantsa has already mapped out his international basketball future. During a conversation with his father in Paris, the 2.06m-tall (6’9″) forward laid out his plans to join the U.S. men’s national team at the 2027 World Cup.
This isn’t just wishful thinking. Only a limited number of NBA All-Stars will likely participate in the 2027 event, which opens the door for Dybantsa and Flagg to become major contributors to the squad.
Both players view this competition as a stepping stone to their ultimate goal: The 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The timing works perfectly for two players who will likely be established NBA stars by then.
Just months before his BYU debut, Dybantsa’s recent success with the U19 team shows he’s ready for senior-level international competition. His expected high draft position in 2026 strengthens his case for joining Qatar’s young core of rising stars.
Dybantsa has already proven himself on the international stage, winning his third gold medal after previous victories at the U18 AmeriCup and U17 World Cup. In the championship game against Germany, he contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and two assists in the decisive 109-76 victory.
BYU-bound forward AJ Dybantsa wins MVP of the FIBA U19 men’s World Cup after averaging 14.3 points in the event.
Dybantsa had 11 points and 6 boards in the 109-76 gold medal win over Germany.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) July 6, 2025
How Does Cooper Flagg Fit Into These Plans?
Flagg shares similar aspirations for 2027. The Duke freshman impressed at Team USA’s training camp this summer and clarified his intentions. Flagg stated, “That’s something I’m striving for, just trying to be the best I can. And if I can achieve that and then join the World Cup team in two years, I mean, that’s another goal on my list.”
The history between these two players runs deep. They first met in the New England region and have been rivals throughout their careers. Dybantsa has watched Flagg’s development closely and described him as “scary” when discussing his abilities.
Read More: AJ Dybantsa Breaks Silence on Instagram After Winning MVP at FIBA U19 World Cup
The 2027 World Cup in Qatar represents a unique opportunity for American basketball’s next generation. It gives young stars a chance to establish themselves internationally while building chemistry for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
With Dybantsa heading to BYU and Flagg to Duke, players will have the college platform to showcase their skills. They could potentially reunite in Team USA jerseys for what might mark a changing of the guard in American basketball.
The path from college standouts to Olympic stars has been traveled before, but rarely with such clear vision and determination from players still months away from their freshman seasons. Both Dybantsa and Flagg understand that the 2027 World Cup could be their launching pad to basketball immortality.
