BYU's AJ Dybantsa made a stunning entrance in the Big 12 Tournament, leading his team to a 105-91 victory over Kansas State. Dybantsa, who’s on the radar as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, dazzled with a 40-point performance, propelling No. 10 seed BYU forward to face No. 7 seed West Virginia.
This wasn’t just any 40-point game; it shattered a record set by none other than Kevin Durant. Dybantsa surpassed Durant’s 37-point freshman record from the 2007 Big 12 title game against Kansas. Just four points shy of the all-time tournament record held by Mike Singletary, Dybantsa’s feat was a spectacle for the ages, marking his second 40-point game this season.
BYU also set a new benchmark for team scoring in the tournament, breaking Kansas’ 2002 record of 102 points. Dybantsa’s impact was felt all over the court, finishing with 40 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. With point guard Robert Wright III limited in the second half, Dybantsa took charge, driving the offense and showcasing his playmaking skills with six assists and three steals.
Leading the nation with an average of 24.7 points per game, Dybantsa has stepped up even more since Richie Saunders’ season-ending injury. His streak of 11 consecutive games with at least 20 points and five rebounds is the longest for a Division I freshman since Carmelo Anthony’s 2002-03 run.
Fans are buzzing about a potential rematch between Dybantsa and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, two top prospects for the upcoming NBA Draft. Their previous encounter was a thriller, with Peterson dominating the first half before leaving due to cramping. Dybantsa contributed 17 points, while Saunders kept BYU in contention with 33 points and six threes.
For a rematch to happen in the Big 12 Tournament, BYU needs to defeat West Virginia and then take down No. 2 seed Houston to reach the semifinals. Meanwhile, Kansas, with a double-bye, must win their quarterfinal matchup. If both teams succeed, basketball fans will be treated to another showdown between these future stars.