Team USA went to Switzerland with names like Morez Johnson, Mikel Brown Jr., Koa Peat, and Caleb Holt. They faced Germany in the finals. Germany entered undefeated, led by Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson, but Team USA’s roster depth and gameplay were something special.
In the FIBA U19 World Cup final on Sunday, the USA won 109-76 over Germany. The MVP of the game was none other than AJ Dybantsa, who is projected to be the top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
After Earning MVP Honors, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa Has Something to Say
Soon after the final whistle and celebrations, Dybantsa took to Instagram to post a story with a picture of him with his medals on it. He captioned it, “powered by wings. ” He also tagged Red Bull, his NIL sponsor, in the story.
The FIBA U19 MVP heads to BYU with serious hype and joins the team as one of the highest NIL earners in college basketball. Dybantsa signed a Red Bull NIL deal last October, and he’s already making sure the world remembers who’s backing him. At just 17, he’s already carrying a $4.1 million NIL valuation per On3. That kind of money doesn’t come without earning it.
Dybantsa earned the MVP honor at FIBA by averaging 14.3 points, 4.1 boards, and 2.3 assists. He led the tournament in free-throw attempts, shot 68% inside the arc, and converted at a near-perfect 84% rate from the line. Those numbers tell the story of a player who knows how to get to his spots and finish.
His defense was equally impressive. Dybantsa guarded point guards, dove for loose balls, and anchored the press. Despite being the top scorer, he never coasted on the defensive end. While his 2-for-18 mark from deep is concerning, and his three-point shot needs work, there’s no denying he can play on both ends and break down defenses with his athleticism and basketball IQ.
The tournament showed why scouts are already penciling him in as the top pick in two years. Dybantsa’s ability to impact winning at the highest levels of international competition speaks volumes about his readiness for college basketball.
FIFA U19 World Cup MVP AJ Dybantsa
Every bucket from his gold medal MVP campaign pic.twitter.com/2tl7mmSo1s
— Church Ball: A BYU Hoops Pod (@churchballpod) July 6, 2025
What Dybantsa’s Arrival Means for BYU’s Championship Hopes
Dybantsa heads to Provo this fall, and summer workouts are already underway. He joins a program looking to be a national contender. With eight scholarship players gone and names like Egor Demin and Dallin Hall departed, this roster is brand new.
BYU does have some returning senior starters, including Keba Keita and Richie Saunders. Big man Mihailo Boskovic and sharpshooter Dawson Baker provide a seasoned core. This foundation gives the Cougars enough experience to compete while Dybantsa adjusts to college basketball.
The incoming class surrounding Dybantsa is loaded with talent. At the same time, many fans felt Brown Jr. was the authentic MVP of the FIBA U19. Baylor transfer and fellow five-star Rob Wright brings power conference experience. Washington’s Dominique Diomande adds size and athleticism. Southern Illinois guard Kennard Davis provides proven scoring ability, while Idaho’s sniper Tyler Mrus stretches the floor. UC Riverside veteran Nate Pickens rounds out a mix of high-upside freshmen, power conference transfers, and seasoned mid-major standouts.
For Dybantsa, who’s already being talked about as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, this roster gives him the flexibility and space he needs to develop his game. The Cougars’ first exhibition is set for October 18 against Nebraska. Nebraska should be worried if FIBA was a preview of what’s coming.
Coach Kevin Young has built something special in Provo, and Dybantsa’s arrival could be the final piece needed to make a serious run at cutting down the nets in March.
