BYU star AJ Dybantsa has repeatedly credited coach Kevin Young’s influence in leading him to commit to the Cougars over traditional blue bloods in college basketball. Dybantsa was highly recruited by several elite programs as the No. 1-ranked prospect in the class of 2025, and he shocked college basketball when he decided to go to Provo.
How Has Kevin Young’s NBA Past Helped Guide AJ Dybantsa?
During last week’s segment of “NBA Today,” Young highlighted how his experience working with NBA stars like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant has helped him to guide the highly scrutinized Dybantsa on his professional journey towards the NBA.
“He reminds me a lot of, it’s that combination of the serious-minded focus that I saw in Devin Booker,” Young said. “The work ethic that I saw in Durant. He has that type of maturity. He carries himself like he’s already been a pro for 10 years.
“Just yesterday, he asked me, ‘Hey, when guys would get really physical with Book or with K.D., what would they go to? We feel like we can kind of give him the answers to the test before he even gets there.”
Young was an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers from 2016 to 2020, before taking the same position with the Phoenix Suns from 2020 to 2021. He also became the associate head coach with Phoenix (2021-2024) before joining BYU last year.
Why Was Kevin Young’s Presence Critical in Dybantsa’s BYU Decision?
During last week’s episode of “NBA Today,” Dybantsa emphasized the significant role that Young’s presence at BYU played in his decision to join the program, citing the coach’s extensive NBA background working with various superstars.
“The main reason why I came here,” AJ Dybantsa said. “I said it was 90% KY (Kevin Young) and then like 10% the atmosphere and fans, that’s why I came here. KY working with not only my favorite player, but just working in the NBA with different types of players.
“I think he’s bringing an NBA play style here. I mean, if my ultimate goal is to be in the NBA and stay in the NBA, why not try to get knowledge early?”
Dybantsa has had an impressive start to his college basketball career, averaging 19.0 points on 52.3% shooting from the field and 37.5% shooting from beyond the arc, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists for the Cougars. He is part of a talented roster that includes guards Rob Wright III and Richie Saunders as Young attempts to improve on BYU’s Sweet 16 appearance from last season.