Incoming BYU Cougars freshman AJ Dybantsa is one of the top players participating in USA Basketball’s recent U19 training camp. The No. 1 high school prospect in the Class of 2025 has rapidly developed as a basketball superstar, and his decision to play for the “Cougs” has resulted in unprecedented basketball hype in Provo, Utah.
As Dybantsa, HC Kevin Young, and the rest of the team prepare for the season opener in November, the freshman prodigy explained how his coach uses NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kevin Durant to coach up the team.
Incoming BYU Freshman AJ Dybantsa Reflects on HC Kevin Young’s Impact in Provo
In addition to training with many of the country’s top talents in the training camp, BYU basketball freshman AJ Dybantsa receives firsthand insights from Cougars HC Kevin Young about current NBA players.
The 6’9″, 18-year-old forward spoke with ESPN’s Jonathan Givony on June 16 and revealed the focus of Coach Young’s guidance for him at this point.
Talking shop with AJ Dybantsa at the USA Basketball U19 training camp.
USA Basketball always brings out the best from Dybantsa and he’s had some absolutely spectacular moments on both ends in every session, looking every bit the part of a No. 1 pick. pic.twitter.com/tQyKhUJKYT
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 16, 2025
After being asked who specifically Young likes Dybantsa to watch and learn from, he gave a detailed answer.
“Obviously, he coached KD [Kevin Durant], so when I’m off the ball, a lot of KD, but there’s a lot of Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander], a lot of Luka [Doncic], guys that play multiple positions,” Dybantsa said.
Let’s not forget that Young must fill the void left by Egor Demin, who is expected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Dybantsa could be an option for BYU, but the player doesn’t see it that way.
“Egor was a big piece of them. Now, he was like the starting point guard. We have Robert Wright, so I wouldn’t really need to fulfill that starting point guard role, but the way and actions that they use, like a big guard, and him at 6’8″, I think I’ll be in some of those positions,” he said.
MORE: AJ Dybantsa Responds as BYU Pays Tribute to his Dad on Father’s Day
Dybantsa made waves in the 2024-25 season by committing to BYU, becoming the program’s first-ever five-star recruit. The 6’9″ forward is widely regarded as a future NBA Draft lottery pick, with scouts praising his elite scoring ability, versatility, and defensive potential.
This decision to join BYU was definitely influenced by head coach Kevin Young, whose NBA coaching experience made Provo, Utah, an attractive destination for the rising star. His freshman season is expected to be one-and-done, with Dybantsa already projected as the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Off the court, Dybantsa has become college basketball’s highest NIL earner, securing multi-million-dollar deals with Nike and Red Bull. His marketability and talent have made him one of the sport’s most talked-about players.
All eyes will be on Dybantsa next season to see if he can live up to the immense hype and lead BYU to national prominence before making his leap to the NBA.
