While BYU’s prized recruit, AJ Dybantsa, has posted impressive numbers at the FIBA U19 World Cup, averaging 16.7 points through group play, subtle criticism has emerged about his impact timing. ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla fired back Tuesday, defending the consensus top prospect against what he calls “subtle shots.”
Fraschilla’s Twitter post directly addressed critics watching the tournament online. His defense came after observers questioned Dybantsa’s tendency to score primarily when Team USA holds substantial leads rather than during competitive moments in their dominant group stage victories.
AJ Dybantsa Frontrunner Concerns Spark ESPN Response
Critics have targeted Dybantsa’s performance patterns during Team USA’s dominant group stage run, during which they outscored opponents by an average of 30+ points.
Fraschilla’s X defense read: “I am seeing these subtle shots at @BYUMBB @usabjnt @AJ_Dybantsa by people watching the @FIBAWC U-19’s on their laptops & I’m smiling. No offense to some really great young teammates, but I watched him for a solid week in Colorado Springs. When AJ needed to dominate the scrimmages, everyone in the gym knew. USA is toying with inferior teams at the moment. He has a gift for letting teammates shine. Too early to make pronouncements.”
I am seeing these subtle shots at @BYUMBB @usabjnt @AJ_Dybantsa by people watching the @FIBAWC U-19’s on their laptops & I’m smiling. No offense to some really great young teammates, but I watched him for a solid week in Colorado Springs. When AJ needed to dominate the…
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) July 2, 2025
A detailed analysis reveals the timing of his scoring contributions. Against Cameroon in the 129-70 victory, he scored 16 points but managed just three points early when the US led by eight, then remained quiet until extending the margin.
Similarly, against France in their 108-77 win, he totaled 16 points but managed only four early points before going scoreless until the third quarter. In the Australia opener, he led with 18 points.
Fraschilla’s Training Camp Defense Validates Elite Status
The ESPN analyst who covers Big 12 and international basketball witnessed Dybantsa’s week-long dominance in Colorado Springs training camp, where he compared the 6-foot-9 forward to Kevin Garnett. His earlier praise included calling Dybantsa the “Alpha Dog” of a roster featuring “at least 15” future NBA players.
Fraschilla emphasized that training camp observers saw Dybantsa’s true competitive nature emerge during that time.
The timing criticism doesn’t account for his ability to elevate during pressure moments. During training camp scrimmages, observers noted “a switch flipped with Dybantsa” when his team fell behind by six points with 90 seconds remaining, as he delivered a dramatic comeback performance by scoring 13 straight points to win.
BYU assistant coach Will Voigt praised Dybantsa’s competitive approach throughout the tournament. “His competitive spirit has been really what I’ve been most impressed with. From day one, he’s come in, he’s worked hard, he’s played hard, he competes in everything that we’re doing,” Voigt said.
Team USA advanced to Wednesday’s Round of 16 matchup with a perfect 3-0 group stage record as Dybantsa continues pursuing his third FIBA gold medal.
The criticism hasn’t lowered expectations for the projected 2026 NBA Draft top pick, whose $4-plus million NIL deal reflects his talent level extending beyond box score contributions during blowout victories.