BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Robert Wright III Earn Big 12 Honors After Statement Wins
When a team snaps a four-game skid by taking down a top-tier opponent on the road, people take notice. When two of its stars put up jaw-dropping numbers in back-to-back wins, awards follow. That’s exactly what happened for BYU this week, as AJ Dybantsa and Robert Wright III were recognized by the Big 12 after leading the Cougars to gritty, high-scoring victories over Baylor and Colorado.
Dybantsa, the freshman phenom who’s been turning heads all season, was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week for the second week in a row-and for the fifth time overall. And it’s not hard to see why. He averaged 28.0 points, 9.0 boards, 7.5 assists, and 2 steals over the two-game stretch, shooting a clean 50% from the floor and nearly 78% from the line.
His performance against Baylor was nothing short of electric. Dybantsa dropped 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting, helping BYU notch its first-ever win in Waco.
That scoring outburst ranks as the second-highest single-game total by a freshman in BYU history. He did it all-attacking the rim, finding teammates, and knocking down free throws (7-of-8) when it mattered most.
That win didn’t just break a losing streak; it reignited momentum for a team that needed a spark.
And he wasn’t done. In Saturday’s overtime thriller against Colorado, Dybantsa posted his third career double-double with 20 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals.
It marked the 18th time this season he’s hit the 20-point mark, tying Danny Ainge’s freshman record for most 20-point games. That’s elite company, and Dybantsa’s doing it with poise and polish well beyond his years.
But BYU’s resurgence wasn’t a one-man show.
Robert Wright III earned his spot on the Big 12 Starting Five this week, and for good reason. The sophomore guard was on fire, averaging 34.5 points while shooting a blistering 64.9% from the field, 66.7% from deep, and nearly 79% from the stripe. He also chipped in 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals-showing off a well-rounded game that’s just as dangerous as it is efficient.
Wright’s return to Baylor was a headline in itself. He poured in 30 points in 40 minutes, going 12-of-21 from the field. That performance earned him Dickie V’s National Player of the Week honors-a nod to just how impactful he was on a national stage.
Then came Saturday, and Wright took it up another level. He scored a career-high 39 points in the overtime win over Colorado, tying for the ninth-most points in a Big 12 game in BYU history.
He was nearly unstoppable-12-of-16 from the field, a perfect 4-of-4 from three, and 11 made free throws, another career-best. He became just the fourth Cougar ever to hit four or more threes in a conference matchup, and he did it with surgical precision.
Together, Dybantsa and Wright III didn’t just lead BYU to two critical wins-they reminded everyone why this team can’t be overlooked in the Big 12 race.
Next up, No. 23 BYU heads to Tucson for a heavyweight clash with No.
4 Arizona on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. MT on ESPN.
With Dybantsa and Wright III firing on all cylinders, the Cougars are rolling into McKale Center with confidence-and plenty of firepower.