Atlanta, Ga. - AJ Dybantsa: A Freshman Phenomenon in the Big 12
BYU's standout freshman, AJ Dybantsa, has been turning heads all season, and now he's getting the recognition he deserves. Named to the prestigious 30-player late season team for the 2026 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year, Dybantsa is making waves in the college basketball world.
Dybantsa is one of seven Big 12 players on this elite list, sharing the spotlight with fellow freshmen talents like Brayden Burries from Arizona, Kingston Flemmings from Houston, and Darryn Peterson from Kansas. It's clear that this year's freshman class is something special, and Dybantsa is leading the charge.
Currently the nation's top scorer with an impressive 24.8 points per game, Dybantsa showcased his scoring prowess by dropping 35 points in a recent clash against No. 4 Arizona.
Despite the 75-68 loss, Dybantsa's performance was historic, breaking Danny Ainge’s long-standing freshman scoring record at BYU. With 644 points in just 26 games, he has surpassed Ainge’s mark set during the 1977-78 season.
Standing tall at 6-foot-9, Dybantsa has consistently delivered, scoring in double figures in every game this season. This remarkable streak is the third-longest to start a career in Big 12 history. He's not just about scoring, though; Dybantsa has set BYU freshman records across the board, including in 20-point games, 30-point games, triple-doubles, and both free throws made and attempted.
Looking ahead, BYU is gearing up for a big matchup against No. 6 Iowa State at the Marriott Center.
With tip-off set for 8:30 p.m. MT on Saturday, Feb. 21, all eyes will be on Dybantsa to see if he can continue his extraordinary run.
The Cougars will be counting on their freshman phenom to lead the charge once again.