AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 player in the Class of 2025 and a future BYU Cougar, has built his reputation on jaw-dropping highlights and elite-level production. However, according to U19 head coach Tommy Lloyd, the most impressive part of Dybantsa’s game goes beyond scoring and athleticism.
A Unique Skill for AJ Dybantsa: Leadership Through Selflessness
In a recent interview, Lloyd highlighted what truly separates Dybantsa from his peers and why BYU fans should be thrilled about the future.
What did Coach Lloyd think about AJ Dybantsa on his @usabasketball U19 team? 🤔
Full episode in bio 🎧 pic.twitter.com/wWurzQj1Cv
— Andy Katz (@SidelinewithAK) July 28, 2025
Coach Lloyd, who worked closely with Dybantsa during U19 national team play, was quick to praise not just his physical gifts, but his team-first mentality.
“He’s a really talented player, but he leaves room for others to be the best version of themselves,” Lloyd said. “That’s a really unique skill set for an 18-year-old kid.”
That maturity is rare, especially in a player with Dybantsa’s spotlight.
While many top recruits focus solely on their own production, Dybantsa is already displaying the leadership and humility needed to thrive at the college and professional levels. He’s confident in his own game but actively works to lift up his teammates, a trait Lloyd called both impressive and rare at this stage.
Standing 6’9″ with a wingspan over seven feet, Dybantsa brings elite physical tools to the court. But it’s his ability to move that’s jaw-dropping. His agility, lateral quickness, and coordination allow him to defend multiple positions, close out hard on shooters, and finish in transition like a guard.
Despite his size, he covers the court like few players in high school basketball.
Offensively, Dybantsa has developed a polished half-court game. He knows how to get to his spots and create space, using a blend of footwork, strength, and high-level shot-making. Whether attacking off the dribble or working out of the post, he showcases an understanding of spacing and timing that’s well beyond his years.
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Even though he’s been in the national spotlight since before high school, Dybantsa has avoided stagnation. He continues to improve each season, adding new dimensions to his game and learning how to impact winning.
However, with the transition to college on the horizon, consistency and focus will be key.
“The level of competition won’t allow it to be a show anymore,” one scout noted. “It’ll have to be all about winning.”
The good news is that Dybantsa appears ready. With his high basketball IQ, physical upside, and unselfish approach, he controls his own future.
