Springfield, Mass. - A Closer Look at AJ Dybantsa's Julius Erving Award Nomination
BYU's standout forward, AJ Dybantsa, has earned a coveted spot as one of the five finalists for the 2026 Julius Erving Award. This prestigious accolade, announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, is a nod to the top small forwards in men’s college basketball.
Joining Dybantsa on this elite list are Florida’s Thomas Haugh, Iowa State’s Milan Momcilovic, Tennessee’s Nate Ament, and Texas’ Dailyn Swain. Later this month, these finalists will be evaluated by a selection committee comprising esteemed figures in college basketball, including media members, head coaches, and Hall of Famers.
The award ceremony, featuring the announcement of the Erving Award winner, is set to take place alongside the presentation of the other members of the Men’s and Women’s Starting Five. The exact date remains under wraps, adding to the anticipation.
Dybantsa has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, leading the nation with an impressive 25.2 points per game. His scoring prowess was on full display as he shattered records with a 40-point performance against Kansas State, setting a new standard for freshmen in the Big 12 Tournament. This feat also marked him as only the 10th freshman in NCAA Division I history to surpass 800 points in a single season.
Standing tall at 6-foot-9, Dybantsa is not just a scoring machine. He’s shooting 52.0% from the field and contributing significantly beyond scoring, with averages of 6.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. His versatility and efficiency make him a linchpin for BYU's success.
The Cougars, riding high on their recent victory, are set to face West Virginia in the next round of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament. The matchup is scheduled for this evening at 6 p.m.
CT at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo. Fans will be eager to see if Dybantsa can continue his electrifying form and lead BYU deeper into the tournament.
Stay tuned as we follow Dybantsa's journey and the unfolding drama of the college basketball season.