AJ Dybantsa has taken the college basketball scene by storm, dazzling fans and leaving defenders in his wake with his dynamic play. As a freshman at BYU, Dybantsa led the nation in scoring, propelling the Cougars to their third consecutive tournament appearance. His standout season has cemented him as a likely top-two pick in this year's NBA draft, drawing comparisons to none other than Kevin Durant.
Durant, a legend from his college days at Texas, set the bar high with his exceptional freshman year, becoming the first to win consensus National Player of the Year honors. While Dybantsa may not achieve the same accolades, his numbers are eerily reminiscent of Durant's, sparking conversations about their similarities.
Comparing the Stats: Dybantsa vs. Durant
Let's dive into the numbers. Durant's freshman season in 2007 saw him play 35 games, averaging 35.9 minutes, 25.8 points, and 11.1 rebounds per game.
Dybantsa, in 2026, played 34 games, clocking 34.6 minutes, with averages of 25.3 points and 6.7 rebounds. While Durant excelled as a rebounder, Dybantsa shows more prowess as a playmaker, averaging 3.8 assists to Durant's 1.3.
Defensively, Durant was a force with 1.9 steals and blocks per game, whereas Dybantsa recorded 1.1 steals and 0.4 blocks. Dybantsa's shooting efficiency, however, stands out with a 51.3% field goal percentage compared to Durant's 47.3%.
Breaking Records and Idolizing Durant
Dybantsa made history in the Big 12 tournament, scoring 93 points, surpassing Durant's record by one. His admiration for Durant is no secret. “Everybody knows he’s my favorite player,” Dybantsa said, relishing the achievement of breaking his idol's record.
The connection between Dybantsa and Durant goes beyond admiration. They've worked out together, with Durant imparting wisdom that has sharpened Dybantsa's focus on his shooting form. “It forces you to make shots," Dybantsa noted, highlighting the intensity of training alongside a legend.
Playing Styles: Similarities and Differences
While Dybantsa and Durant share a knack for scoring, their styles differ. Dybantsa is known for his athleticism and ability to navigate the court with finesse, using clever moves to attack the rim. He might not have Durant's elite shooting range yet, but his playmaking ability adds a unique dimension to his game.
Durant's college career showcased his three-level scoring ability and defensive consistency, traits that have defined his NBA success. Dybantsa, on the other hand, still has room to grow in areas like ball-handling and defensive effort.
As Dybantsa prepares for the next chapter in his basketball journey, the comparisons to Durant are both a compliment and a challenge. If he can harness his skills and continue to evolve, there's no telling how high his ceiling might be. NBA teams are undoubtedly watching closely, eager to see if Dybantsa can carve out his own legacy while paying homage to the greats who came before him.