The basketball world is buzzing with excitement as AJ Dybantsa, the top prospect in the 2025 class in the nation, displayed his remarkable skill at the USA Basketball U19 team trials in Colorado Springs.
According to ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla, 15 players from this talented group will likely play in the NBA, and Dybantsa is emerging as the group’s clear leader.
AJ Dybantsa’s Clutch Performance Solidifies Status As Team USA’s ‘Alpha Dog’
A post shared by Swish Cultures highlighted Dybantsa’s remarkable performance: “AJ Dybantsa (@AJ_Dybantsa) is going off for Team USA. He went for 11 straight points in 3 minutes to give his team the win in the scrimmage via @JordanRichardSC.”
Aj dybantsa ( @AJ_Dybantsa ) is going off for Team USA 😳 he went for 11 straight points in 3 minutes to give his team the win in the scrimmage via @JordanRichardSC
pic.twitter.com/FXGTQbVSNQ— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) June 16, 2025
ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla reinforced this observation, tweeting: “Hey, @BYUMBB fans, @AJ_Dybantsa is the Alpha Dog of this very talented @usabjnt Under 19 team that has at least 15 future @NBA players. @Big12Conference”
Hey, @BYUMBB fans, @AJ_Dybantsa is the Alpha Dog of this very talented @usabjnt Under 19 team that has at least 15 future @NBA players. @Big12Conference https://t.co/6UU57dcuVA
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) June 16, 2025
The 6-foot-9 forward with a 7-foot wingspan demonstrated his skill during the scrimmage, knocking down 3-pointers, attacking the rim, hitting pull-up jumpers, and playing lockdown defense. What impressed observers most wasn’t just his scoring ability but his competitive fire in what could have been treated as a meaningless practice session.
“It was a performance that led to a postgame debate wondering how many points per game he’d average in the NBA today,” reported Jack Pilgrim from On3. “The one kid in the gym with nothing to prove — No. 1 in his class, all of the NIL money in the world, likely No. 1 draft pick in 2026 — was screaming to his teammates to pick up 94 feet with defensive call-outs.”
No one should be shocked by Dybantsa’s play, especially given his development. He averaged 17.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game at Utah Prep.
His international experience includes winning gold medals with Team USA in the FIBA U16 Americas Championship and the FIBA U17 World Cup. During the FIBA U17 World Cup, Dybantsa averaged 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, while shooting 58.7%.
The young star has drawn comparisons to NBA legends and current stars alike. Dybantsa himself has stated, “I play like a mix of Tracy McGrady and Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander].” NBA draft analyst Matt Babcock offered a different perspective: “He’s got the physical tools and skill set that excites you… He’s also kind of like a mix between LeBron and a young Kevin Garnett.”
AJ Dybantsa announces his commitment to BYU and explains his decision 🔥
“I play like a mix of Tracy McGrady and Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander].” 👀 pic.twitter.com/JIaymkr4Pz
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 10, 2024
As Team USA prepares for the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup in Switzerland, all eyes will be on Dybantsa and his talented teammates, many of whom appear destined for NBA stardom.
