BYU freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa has an opportunity to join the ranks of program legends tonight against the University of Arizona. Already gaining attention for his on-court performance, Dybantsa could achieve a milestone in Provo that few have done before.
BYU’s AJ Dybantsa Can Recreate Jimmer Fredette’s Feat Against Undefeated Arizona
Tonight, BYU’s Cougars, led by Dybantsa, have a chance to recreate a defining moment in program history. Fifteen years ago, Jimmer Fredette led BYU to a victory over an undefeated, top-ranked opponent.
Now, Dybantsa will try to lead his team against the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats, inviting comparisons to that iconic win and giving added weight to this matchup. Looking back at that legendary night, despite trailing at halftime 31-30, BYU went on a 41-27 run over the final 20 minutes to claim a 71-58 victory.
Fredette scored 43 points on 14-24 shooting from the field, while the Aztecs were paced by future NBA star Kawhi Leonard, who had 22 points and 15 rebounds. As the stage shifts to tonight, Dybantsa enters the contest riding his own impressive offensive momentum, having scored 43 against in-state rival Utah on Saturday.
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This marks his second consecutive home game, and it could prove to be the biggest regular-season matchup in Cougars history.
Currently, the team sits at 17-2, trailing only the Wildcats in Big 12 dominance. Adding intrigue to tonight’s matchup is Dybantsa’s reunion with Arizona freshman standout Koa Peat. Both played together on Team USA, becoming well-acquainted through intensive hours of practice and games.
Their familiarity means the winner of this individual matchup could have a significant edge as the game unfolds. Moreover, ESPN has chosen this matchup for its first ‘Big Monday’ of the season, bringing national attention to Provo.
While football typically dominates local fandom, the expectation is that the Marriott Center will be especially loud tonight, giving Dybantsa and the Cougars a raucous home advantage on one of college basketball’s grandest stages. A win tonight would have ripple effects throughout the program.
For first-year head coach Kevin Young, who has never before led a college basketball team, this would be the signature victory of his young career. Furthermore, such a result could put BYU in contention for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, provided they maintain their strong play.
The schedule ahead also holds challenges, with a trip to No. 19 Kansas next, a home game against Houston on February 7, and a rematch with Arizona in Tucson on February 18. Dybantsa leads the Big 12 in scoring with 23.6 points per game.
A standout performance tonight could launch him into contention for National Player of the Year and place him among BYU’s greatest. To do so, he must emulate Fredette’s fearless approach, excelling from long range and at the rim.
Winning against a No. 1 team at home would alter the conversation around Dybantsa, his coach, and the team. Following in the footsteps of Jimmer Fredette, who became a BYU legend with 2,599 points and later found success overseas after the NBA, Dybantsa has a chance to join Utah basketball lore tonight.
Already projected as a top NBA draft pick, a big performance would let him stand alongside the iconic shooter in BYU history.
