#aj_dybantsa

BYU's AJ Dybantsa's first — and only? — trip to the NCAA tournament ends in a first-round upset loss to Texas The star BYU freshman poured in 35 points in a 79-71 first-round loss to No. 11 Texas, but the No. 6 Cougars’ lack of depth proved costly in the West region matchup. Dybantsa, a projected top-10 NBA draft pick, dominated the game, yet BYU’s roster struggled to match Texas’ depth and size. The Cougars’ bench contributed zero points, as Texas’ Matas Vokietaitis controlled the paint with 23 points and 16 rebounds. Dybantsa’s performance highlighted his potential, as he became the first freshman since Steph Curry in 2007 to score 30+ points in his NCAA tournament debut. He shot 11-of-25 from the field and went 12-of-12 at the free-throw line. However, BYU’s reliance on Dybantsa and Robert Wright III left the team vulnerable. Wright added 14 points, but the rest of the roster combined for just seven field goal attempts. The Cougars were 4-of-22 from beyond the arc, missing key guard Richie Saunders, who was sidelined by a season-ending knee injury. Texas’ balanced attack, with four players scoring in double figures, proved too much for BYU. Tramon Mark led the way with 19 points, while Dailyn Swain and Jordan Pope added 14 and 11 respectively. Pope’s 3-pointer with 1:29 remaining cut BYU’s deficit to four, but the Cougars couldn’t sustain the momentum. A missed opportunity to close the gap came after Aleksej Kostic’s 3-pointer, followed by a turnover from Dybantsa. BYU’s struggles began earlier in the season. Despite starting 16-1, the Cougars lost five of six games in conference play. Saunders’ injury in February exacerbated the team’s issues, forcing Dybantsa to take at least 20 shots in seven of BYU’s last nine games. The team went 4-5 in that span, underscoring the challenges of relying on a single player.#texas #aj_dybantsa #byu #matas_vokietaitis #tramon_mark

Kansas Star Darryn Peterson's Health Concerns Spark Draft Uncertainty Darryn Peterson, the star guard for the University of Kansas, faces mounting scrutiny as his health issues and evolving draft prospects complicate his path to the NBA. The 19-year-old, once considered a top-tier prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft, has opened up about a severe full-body cramp that hospitalized him, altering his approach to basketball and prompting him to sub in games to prioritize his well-being. His candid revelations have raised questions about his commitment to the sport and his ability to perform at the highest level. Peterson’s situation has intensified as he prepares to face California Baptist in the NCAA tournament’s first round. The matchup offers a chance for him to elevate his stock, but it also risks drawing further attention to his health concerns. Scouts and NBA teams are now weighing his potential against emerging talent, with BYU forward AJ Dybantsa emerging as a safer choice for the No. 1 overall pick. Dybantsa’s consistent athleticism and lower injury risk have made him a more attractive option in a deep draft class that could yield multiple superstars. Despite the doubts, Peterson remains a standout talent with significant NBA upside. His ability to adapt and overcome injuries will be critical to his long-term success. However, the NBA’s business-driven nature means teams must balance risk with reward, prioritizing selections that maximize their chances of securing elite players. Peterson’s recent health struggles, combined with reports of diminished athleticism since high school, have added layers of uncertainty for evaluators. The draft process will rely heavily on individual workouts, where teams can assess Peterson’s skills and character firsthand.#aj_dybantsa #darryn_peterson #nba_draft #university_of_kansas #california_baptist

NBA Draft Prospects to Watch in March Madness The NCAA Tournament serves as a critical final test for NBA Draft prospects, offering a chance to elevate their stock or face setbacks based on performance. While a single game can’t fully define a player’s potential, standout performances can significantly impact draft evaluations. This year’s tournament features several key prospects with opportunities to solidify their positions in the draft rankings. Cameron Boozer of Duke stands out as a top contender for the No. 1 pick. The 6-foot-9 freshman has averaged 22.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 56.5% from the field, 40.9% from three, and 77.5% from the free-throw line. His ability to adapt to defenses—whether as a scorer, playmaker, or perimeter threat—has made him a standout. However, his path to the top of the draft depends on showcasing his competitiveness against elite opponents like Kansas and St. John’s. His success in high school and college, including ACC titles, highlights his potential, but NBA scouts will scrutinize how his low-post game holds up against NBA-level length. Darryn Peterson of Kansas faces challenges after a season marred by inconsistency. Despite averaging 18.7 points, his shooting efficiency has dipped to 37.8% from the field and 33.3% from three. His recent struggles, including missed games due to injury, have raised questions about his reliability. Yet, his high school dominance and potential matchup against Boozer in the Sweet 16 could reignite interest. Scouts will weigh his recent form against his prior reputation, making his tournament performance crucial for securing a top-10 spot. AJ Dybantsa of BYU has been the most consistent player in the class, averaging 25.9 points per game with elite shooting numbers.#darius_acuff_jr #aj_dybantsa #darryn_peterson #nba_draft #cameron_booz

BYU's Ambitious Push into College Basketball's New Era AJ Dybantsa’s smiling face greets visitors to the bookstore inside BYU’s Wilkinson Student Center, a central hub on campus. Stacks of cream-colored T-shirts featuring his image, the No. 3 jersey he wears for the Cougars, and his autograph are on display, alongside five small stars and a quote from the nation’s No. 1 recruit. In December 2024, Dybantsa shocked the college basketball world by declaring on ESPN, “It’s just for the bigger picture,” before committing to BYU, a program unaccustomed to attracting generational talent. Less than 18 months later, as Dybantsa prepares for his first March Madness experience, those words echo the ambitions of the player and the program striving to join the ranks of college basketball’s elite. Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 ball-dominant forward, is the clearest example of BYU’s new era of ambition. The school, owned and subsidized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has embraced the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era and revenue-sharing models, challenging assumptions about its financial limitations while navigating the LDS Church’s mission to balance athletic success with spiritual values. BYU coach Kevin Young emphasized the program’s long-standing desire to “prove they can play with the big boys,” a goal now amplified by Dybantsa’s arrival. Landing Dybantsa from his hometown of Brockton, Mass., marked a turning point for BYU. Reports suggest his single-year NIL compensation ranges from $4 million to $6 million, among the highest for a player. Young, who joined BYU in April 2024 after five years with the Phoenix Suns, declined to specify the exact amount but noted Dybantsa could have earned more elsewhere.#aj_dybantsa #byu #the_church_of_jesus_christ_of_latter_day_saints #kevin_young #silicon_slopes

2026 NBA Draft Mock and Key Player Updates The latest 2026 NBA draft mock from ESPN’s Jeremy Woo ranks Kansas guard Darryn Peterson as the top pick, followed by BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, Duke big man Cameron Boozer, and UNC forward Caleb Wilson. Woo highlights Peterson’s elite scoring ability and Dybantsa’s versatility as a playmaker and shooter, while Boozer and Wilson are noted for their defensive presence and rebounding skills. The mock also includes Will Weaver, who has been named head coach of the Brisbane Kings in Australia, marking a significant move in international basketball. Injury and performance updates include Bam Adebayo’s return to form after a slow start, Tyrese Maxey’s recovery from a hamstring injury, and Victor Wembanyama’s continued dominance in the French league. Other notable mentions are Jalen Duren’s potential breakout season and the trade rumors surrounding Jalen Green. The article also touches on the 2026 salary cap projections, with key players like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry expected to command higher salaries due to their market value. Additional sections cover the 2026 schedule changes, including the NBA’s expansion into new international markets, and the impact of veteran extensions on team rosters. The piece emphasizes the growing competition for top draft picks and the strategic moves teams are making to secure talent. The article concludes with insights into the 2026 free agency market, where stars like Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are likely to make significant moves, reshaping the league’s competitive landscape.#aj_dybantsa #darryn_peterson #cameron_boozers #jeremy_woos #unc_forwards

2026 NBA Mock Draft: BYU's AJ Dybantsa Goes No. 1 Ahead of Kansas' Darryn Peterson March Madness has arrived, offering the final opportunity for college basketball players to make an impression on NBA scouts before the 2026 draft. With the regular season concluded, the competition for the top pick remains fierce, centered around three standout prospects: AJ Dybantsa of BYU, Darryn Peterson of Kansas, and Cameron Boozer of Duke. Dybantsa, the leading scorer in college basketball, has emerged as the favorite for the No. 1 overall selection. Standing at 6-foot-9 with a wingspan exceeding 7 feet, he combines athleticism, a refined offensive game, and improved passing and finishing skills. His ability to create his own shot and elevate his playmaking has solidified his status as a top-tier talent. However, questions about his consistency and leadership remain, though his production this season has addressed many concerns. Peterson, meanwhile, remains a strong contender despite lingering doubts about his durability. His versatility as a playmaker, shooter, and on-ball threat, paired with his backcourt size and length, makes him a valuable asset. Yet, his availability during the season has raised questions about his long-term reliability. If selected, he could thrive in a role alongside Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana, where his offensive skills would complement the team’s dynamic backcourt. Boozer, the most impactful player in college basketball, faces skepticism about his ceiling. Despite his physicality, basketball IQ, and ability to elevate his team’s performance, many believe he may slip outside the top two. However, his track record of winning and lack of durability concerns position him as a strong candidate for a top-three pick.#aj_dybantsa #byu #darryn_peterson #cameron_boozers #kansas

AJ Dybantsa Breaks Kevin Durant's Scoring Record During BYU's Big 12 Tournament Win vs. KSU BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa made an impressive debut in the college basketball postseason, scoring 40 points in the first round of the Big 12 tournament as the Cougars defeated Kansas State 105-91. His performance set a new Big 12 tournament record for a freshman, surpassing the previous mark held by former Texas star and future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant. Dybantsa’s 40-point effort highlighted his ability to dominate in high-stakes games, placing him in elite company among college basketball legends. The victory over Kansas State marked a significant milestone for BYU, as Dybantsa’s scoring output not only broke Durant’s tournament record but also solidified his status as one of the most talented freshmen in the nation. His 40 points came on a mix of efficient shooting and clutch plays, showcasing his versatility and composure under pressure. The Cougars’ 105-91 win underscored the impact of Dybantsa’s performance, as BYU’s offense surged with his contributions. Beyond the tournament record, Dybantsa’s season has already reached historic proportions. He became just the 10th freshman in Division I history to score 800 points in a single season, a testament to his consistency and skill. This achievement places him among the rarest talents in college basketball, with few players achieving such milestones at such an early stage in their careers. Dybantsa’s breakout game against Kansas State also reflected his growing role as a key player for BYU. His ability to carry the team in critical moments demonstrated the potential for him to be a cornerstone of the Cougars’ future success. As the Big 12 tournament progresses, his performance could position BYU as a serious contender in the conference race.#kansas_state #big_12_tournament #aj_dybantsa #byu #kevin_durant

Kansas State Basketball Season Ends with Defeat to BYU Kansas State basketball’s 2025-26 season concluded in heartbreaking fashion as the 15th-seeded Wildcats fell to 10th-seeded BYU in the opening round of the Big 12 Tournament. The game, played at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, ended with a final score of 105-91 in favor of the Cougars, marking the end of a season defined by inconsistency and underperformance. The loss came just days after Kansas State fired head coach Jerome Tang, who was dismissed for cause amid a 12-20 regular season that saw the team struggle with poor execution and a lack of cohesion. The decision to part ways with Tang was made with about a month left in the regular season, highlighting the mounting frustration over the program’s inability to compete at a higher level. This tournament exit further underscores the challenges facing the program as it looks to rebuild. BYU’s victory was propelled by standout performance from freshman AJ Dybantsa, who shattered the single-game Big 12 Tournament freshman scoring record with 40 points. His efforts were instrumental in securing the win, as the Cougars outscored the Wildcats in key stretches of the game. Dybantsa’s 40-point game also set a new record for the most points scored in a single Big 12 Tournament game, cementing his status as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft. The game itself was a rollercoaster for Kansas State, which briefly mounted a comeback after falling behind by double digits. A 11-0 run in the second half, highlighted by a three-pointer from CJ Jones, brought the Wildcats within five points. However, BYU’s ability to respond with quick baskets and capitalize on turnovers kept the deficit manageable.#t_mobile_center #kansas_state #aj_dybantsa #byu #gene_taylor

BYU Star Freshman AJ Dybantsa Dominates Big 12 Tournament with 40-Point Performance BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa delivered a career-defining performance in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament, scoring 40 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out six assists in a 105-91 victory over Kansas State. The 6-foot-8 forward’s effort broke the previous record for points scored by a freshman in a Big 12 Tournament game, previously held by Kevin Durant, who scored 37 points in a 2007 title game against Kansas. Dybantsa’s 40-point outburst came after he took 21 shots, making 15 of them, showcasing his ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. Dybantsa’s season has been nothing short of spectacular, with averages of 25.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 52% from the field. His production has drawn comparisons to past Naismith Award winners, including Durant and Doug McDermott, who were also standout performers despite not being on top-10 teams. While Duke’s Cameron Boozer remains the favorite for the award, Dybantsa’s impact has positioned him as a legitimate contender, especially if his team continues its strong play. BYU’s ranking in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings has climbed to No. 26, with Duke remaining at No. 1 for the 18th consecutive day. The Cougars’ next challenge will be a second-round matchup against West Virginia, set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. Coach Kevin Young praised Dybantsa’s all-around performance, calling him “a candidate to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.” The Top 25 And 1 rankings also highlighted other standout performances. Cameron Boozer led Duke with 26 points and 15 rebounds in a 76-61 win over North Carolina, while Yaxel Lendeborg poured in 27 points for Michigan State in a 90-80 victory over Michigan.#big_12_tournament #aj_dybantsa #byu #kevin_durant #cbs_sports_top_25_and_1

BYU's Dybantsa Shatters Freshman Record with 40-Point Performance in Big 12 Tournament Victory BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa delivered a standout performance in the Big 12 tournament, scoring a freshman-record 40 points to lead the Cougars to a hard-fought victory over Kansas State. The game, which marked BYU’s opening round matchup in the tournament, saw Dybantsa dominate in the second half, helping his team secure a crucial win as they aim to advance further in the postseason. Dybantsa’s 40-point effort included several highlight-reel plays, including a buzzer-beating dunk that sealed a key lead for BYU after the Wildcats had closed the gap. The freshman’s ability to step up in critical moments was evident throughout the game, as he consistently found ways to impact the scoreboard when BYU needed him most. Despite the Cougars trailing by as many as 10 points in the second half, Dybantsa’s scoring runs helped BYU regain control and eventually pull away in the final minutes. The performance was particularly notable given the context of the game. BYU entered the matchup with a slim lead after the first half, holding a 50-49 edge over Kansas State. However, the Cougars’ lead was precarious, as it was built largely on a turnover that led to Dybantsa’s game-winning dunk. The freshman’s unselfish playmaking also shone through, as he frequently found teammates in transition and created opportunities for his teammates to score. Coach Brandon Young praised Dybantsa’s contributions, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and execution. “It’s something we’ve been really on our guys about all year,” Young said. “We have talent, obviously, and we just try to make simple plays, and play together, and sometimes that’s easier said than done. I thought AJ made a lot of unselfish plays as well.#kansas_state #aj_dybantsa #byu #big_12_tournament #brandon_young