AJ Dybantsa Named to Wooden Award Late Midseason Top 20 Watch List
BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa continues to turn heads in his first year of college basketball, and now he’s earned a spot among the elite. The 6-foot-9 standout was named to the Wooden Award Late Midseason Top 20 Watch List, recognizing him as one of the top players in the nation and a serious contender for college basketball’s highest individual honor.
The Wooden Award, presented annually to the most outstanding player in college basketball, is more than just a stat-based accolade - it reflects excellence on and off the court. Dybantsa’s inclusion on the list puts him in rarefied air, especially considering he's one of only seven freshmen to make the cut.
A Freshman Phenomenon
Dybantsa’s numbers tell a story of dominance, consistency, and maturity well beyond his years. He’s currently leading all of NCAA Division I men’s basketball in scoring, averaging 24.0 points per game for a BYU squad that’s climbed to No. 22 in the latest AP Poll.
That kind of production from a freshman? That’s not just impressive - it’s historic.
He’s scored in double figures in every game of his college career so far, and he’s already posted four 30-point outings. The highlight?
A jaw-dropping 43-point performance in a rivalry win over Utah - a new freshman scoring record at BYU. But Dybantsa isn’t just a scorer.
He made more history by recording the first triple-double by a freshman in program history, dropping 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over Eastern Washington.
Efficiency Meets Versatility
What makes Dybantsa’s game so dangerous is how efficiently he operates. Heading into Tuesday’s matchup at Baylor, he’s shooting 54.0% from the field, 37.8% from beyond the arc, and 74.9% at the free throw line - all while carrying a massive offensive load. He’s not just putting up volume; he’s doing it with precision.
He ranks third nationally in triple-doubles (with one), fourth in field goals made (188), eighth in free throw attempts, and 12th in total free throws made (146). And he’s done all this while earning Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors four times - a testament to his week-in, week-out impact.
The Company He Keeps
Dybantsa joins a stacked list of 20 players selected by a panel of national college basketball experts. The list includes standout upperclassmen and fellow rising stars like Cameron Boozer (Duke), Darius Acuff Jr.
(Arkansas), and Caleb Wilson (North Carolina). Being among them is a sign of just how far Dybantsa has climbed in such a short time.
About the Wooden Award
First handed out in 1976, the John R. Wooden Award honors the most outstanding players in men’s and women’s college basketball. It’s named after legendary UCLA coach John Wooden and reflects not only athletic achievement but also academic progress and character - values Wooden championed throughout his life.
Past winners read like a who’s who of basketball greatness: Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Kevin Durant, Candace Parker, Maya Moore, and more recently, Juju Watkins and Cooper Flagg. The award’s legacy is built on more than just stats - it’s about leadership, impact, and excellence.
Each year, the Wooden Award Foundation contributes to scholarship funds and hosts events like the Special Olympics Southern California Basketball Tournament, bringing together athletes, coaches, and Wooden Award honorees in a celebration of the game’s deeper values.
What’s Next
For Dybantsa, the honor is another milestone in a season that’s already exceeded expectations. But if his play so far is any indication, he’s not done yet. With BYU surging and the postseason on the horizon, Dybantsa’s game - and his national profile - could rise even higher.
He’s not just a freshman phenom. He’s a legitimate Wooden Award contender. And right now, he’s playing like one of the best in the country.