AJ Dybantsa’s Dominance at BYU Signals a New Era, But Can He Handle the Pressure of Expectations?
The electricity was palpable in Las Vegas as the Brigham Young University (BYU) men’s basketball team kicked off what many are calling a golden era for the program. The excitement surrounding this season is not just about the team’s performance but also about the emergence of a freshman sensation, AJ Dybantsa, who is poised to lead the Cougars to new heights.
Dybantsa made a striking entrance into college basketball with his debut against Villanova, where he led No. 8 BYU to a 71-66 victory. His performance in the second half was particularly noteworthy, showcasing his potential to be a game-changer. With 21 points, including 13 in the final half, Dybantsa demonstrated that he could rise to the occasion when the stakes were high. This was not just a win; it was a statement that BYU is ready to compete at the highest level.
The excitement surrounding Dybantsa is reminiscent of the “Jimmer Mania” era, which captivated fans during Jimmer Fredette’s time at BYU. The comparison is not unfounded, as Dybantsa is considered the top recruit in the 2025 freshman class. His decision to stay in-state and play for BYU, turning down offers from powerhouse programs like Alabama, Kansas, and North Carolina, has only intensified the anticipation surrounding his college career.
Last season, BYU reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011, signaling a resurgence for the program. The foundation laid during that season has set the stage for what many hope will be a deep tournament run this year. Dybantsa’s early performances, including a remarkable 30-point outing against Nebraska in an exhibition game, have only fueled the fire of expectation.
As the game against Villanova unfolded, it became clear that Dybantsa was not just another freshman; he was a player who could take control of a game. His ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities was evident from the start. BYU jumped to an early lead, but Villanova, under new head coach Kevin Willard, proved to be a formidable opponent. A 12-3 run by the Wildcats in the second half turned the tide, and they briefly took the lead.
However, Dybantsa responded with poise and determination. He took it upon himself to drive into the paint, scoring crucial points that helped BYU regain the lead. His six points during a pivotal 10-0 run were instrumental in securing the victory. This moment highlighted not only his skill but also his ability to perform under pressure, a trait that will be vital as the season progresses.
Despite the victory, there were areas for improvement. Dybantsa’s free throw shooting was a concern, as he converted only 2 of 7 attempts from the line. This aspect of his game will need to be addressed as the season unfolds, especially in close games where every point counts. Nonetheless, his overall performance was impressive, and he played a significant portion of the game without committing a turnover or a foul, showcasing his discipline and focus.
The implications of Dybantsa’s debut extend beyond just one game. BYU’s aspirations for a Final Four appearance hinge on his ability to consistently perform at a high level. The Cougars have not reached this milestone in their history, and the pressure to succeed will only increase as the season progresses. Dybantsa’s ability to handle this pressure will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike.
The excitement surrounding Dybantsa is not just about his talent; it is also about what he represents for BYU basketball. The Cougars are looking to solidify their place among the elite programs in college basketball, and Dybantsa is seen as a key figure in this quest. His performance against Villanova is just the beginning, and if he can maintain this level of play, he could lead BYU to unprecedented success.
As the season continues, all eyes will be on Dybantsa and the BYU Cougars. The potential for greatness is there, but it will require hard work, resilience, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. The journey ahead is filled with challenges, but if Dybantsa can navigate them successfully, he may very well become a household name in college basketball, just like Jimmer Fredette before him. The stakes are high, and the stage is set for what could be a historic season for BYU basketball.
The electricity was palpable in Las Vegas. The Brigham Young contingent traveled West to usher in what many believe is now the golden era of Cougar men’s basketball.
It began with a rousing showing − with the man they believe to lead that era showing why so much is possible for BYU.
Freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa dazzled in his college debut, leading No. 8 BYU to a 71-66 win over Villanova with a dominant second half performance.
Last season felt like the start of something building for BYU, reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since the Jimmer Fredette days in 2011. Coincidentally, “Jimmer Mania” might be the best way to compare the hype surrounding Dybantsa.
Considered the top recruit in the 2025 freshman class, Dybantsa attended Utah Prep Academy and opted to stay in-state, spurring Alabama, Kansas and North Carolina to play for BYU coach Kevin Young.
The Cougars got a taste of Dybantsa’s potential in a couple of exhibitions, including a 30-point outing against Nebraska. It brought excitement, but everyone eagerly waited to see what he could do in a game that counts.
When the lights were bright and the pressure was up, Dybantsa proved he could take over. He finished with a team-high 21 points, 13 of which came in a second half resurgence that staved the Wildcats off from a potential upset. He added five rebounds and three assists while not committing a turnover or a foul.
The flashes were there immediately. Dybantsa was driving toward the bucket and able to get himself enough space for a good look and get the shot in. His quick flurry in the opening minutes helped BYU get out to an early lead and gain a sense this game would be over early.
But the new Villanova under Kevin Willard showed it wasn’t going to fold easily. A 12-3 run in the second half suddenly made it a one-point game, and with just under seven minutes left, the Wildcats were up by two points.
That’s when the Dybantsa show only picked up. He made it a mission to drive into the paint, weaving his way through the defenders and scoring as Villanova’s interior was unable to stop it. He scored six points during a 10-0 BYU run, a critical stretch that not only gave the Cougars the lead back but made it too big of a deficit for Villanova late in the second half.
By then, all BYU needed to do was to avoid the mistakes to let Villanova back in.
It was an impressive showing for the freshman, even with teammates Richie Saunders and Baylor transfer Robert Wright III each having their own productive nights. There wasn’t a need to ease Dybantsa into the game, with him just sitting two minutes of the second half and playing the final nine minutes of the game.
If there was one thing to work on, it was the free throw shooting, where he went just 2-for-7 from the charity stripe.
It’s only the first game, but it was a promising sign for Dybantsa and a BYU team that believes it can make its first Final Four in program history. If Dybantsa is able to command games like he did in the season opener, gold may be awaiting the Cougars in March.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: AJ Dybantsa shows what’s possible for BYU in season-opening win