BYU’s AJ Dybantsa Shines as National Player of the Week
In a week of standout performances, BYU's freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa has been named the USBWA Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week. His impressive play led the Cougars to a thrilling 79-69 victory over No. 6 Iowa State, showcasing his potential on the national stage.
Dybantsa didn't just stop there. He also snagged the Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Week honors, averaging a stellar 32.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game against two Top 10 teams. His shooting was on point, hitting 23-of-45 from the field, 4-of-10 from beyond the arc, and an impressive 14-of-17 from the free throw line.
In a tough 75-68 loss to No. 4 Arizona, Dybantsa set a new BYU freshman scoring record, surpassing the legendary Danny Ainge's mark from 1978. He dropped 35 points, making 13 of his 28 field goal attempts, and was nearly perfect from the line, going 7-of-8.
Against Iowa State, Dybantsa flirted with a triple-double, putting up 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. His efficiency was key, shooting 10-of-17 from the field, 2-of-4 from three-point range, and 7-of-9 from the charity stripe. This performance helped BYU secure their first victory over a Top 10 team at the Marriott Center since 2020.
As BYU, now ranked No. 19, gears up to face UCF tonight at the Marriott Center, fans are eager to see if Dybantsa can continue his remarkable run. The game tips off at 9 p.m. MT on ESPN2, with Mike Monaco and Miles Simon calling the action.