Big 12 Clash: Dybantsa vs. Peterson Headlines BYU-Kansas Showdown, but It's Much Bigger Than That
Saturday afternoon in Lawrence is shaping up to be more than just another Big 12 matchup. When No.
13 BYU travels to face No. 14 Kansas, it won’t just be about conference standings or win streaks-it’s also a marquee moment for two of the most electric freshmen in college basketball.
AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson are both on NBA radars for good reason, and while their potential head-to-head is a juicy subplot, the game itself promises far more than a one-on-one duel.
Let’s start with Dybantsa. The BYU freshman has wasted no time making his presence felt in Provo.
Averaging 23.6 points per game, he’s not just scoring in bunches-he’s doing it with a maturity that belies his age. His offensive game is polished, but what really sets him apart is his versatility.
He’s pulling down 6.7 boards per game, dishing out 72 assists on the season (second-most on the team), and has a knack for drawing contact-172 trips to the free-throw line so far, converting at a solid 76.2%.
In short: Dybantsa isn’t just a scorer. He’s a problem for opposing defenses from every angle.
Kansas, meanwhile, has its own freshman phenom in Darryn Peterson. The Ohio native missed Saturday’s 86-62 win over Kansas State with an ankle injury, but head coach Bill Self expects him back for the BYU game. Peterson leads the Jayhawks with 21.6 points per game and brings an explosive scoring punch that Kansas has leaned on all season.
“Has he been 100% up to this point? No,” Self said. “But I don’t see any reason why he won’t be ready to roll.”
Even if Peterson isn’t at full throttle, his presence on the floor changes everything. He commands attention, opens up space for teammates, and gives Kansas a go-to option in crunch time.
Still, as much as the Dybantsa-Peterson matchup will draw headlines, Self was quick to remind everyone of the bigger picture.
“That storyline is one everyone will run with because it’s two great, great prospects,” Self said. “But it’s still Kansas versus BYU. The players that understand that and can play to that will give their team the best chance to win.”
And he’s right. This game is about two teams trying to assert themselves in a loaded Big 12 race.
BYU comes in having dropped two of its last three, including a hard-fought 86-83 loss to No. 1 Arizona. The Cougars clawed back from a 19-point second-half deficit, showing the kind of resilience that’s become a trademark under head coach Kevin Young.
“We have a never-quit mentality,” Young said. “Our guys are smart in terms of making adjustments on the fly. Every game has a personality of its own and different buttons we need to push.”
Dybantsa poured in 24 points against Arizona, even on an off shooting night (6-of-24 from the field), which speaks to just how dangerous he can be-even when the shots aren’t falling.
Kansas, on the other hand, is riding a four-game win streak. Against Kansas State, it wasn’t just the scoreline that impressed-it was the way the Jayhawks played. Flory Bidunga stepped up big with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double, and the team locked in defensively, allowing just 27 points in the second half.
“I was excited because I thought we played the way we are supposed to play,” Self said. “We shared the ball and were great in the late clock.”
That version of Kansas-the one that shares the rock, defends with purpose, and executes down the stretch-is a tough out for anyone.
So yes, the spotlight will be on Dybantsa and Peterson. And yes, scouts will be watching closely. But the real story is the collision of two well-coached, battle-tested teams looking to make a statement in the second half of the season.
Come Saturday, expect fireworks. Just don’t blink-they might come from anywhere on the floor.