Incoming BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa is no stranger to NBA superstar comparisons, and his latest stint with USA Basketball is drawing even more of them. Dybantsa is currently representing the United States during the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland, and helped lead the national team to an 88-73 win over Australia in Group D action. His 18 points, three rounds, and two assists had fans talking on reddit.
“I think he’s now realizing that about his game. That’s why in a recent interview he said he didn’t think he could take things from Luka’s game cause he thought Luka was slow. He said he’s been watching a lot of SGA and Luka now. He not some uber athlete, yes he physically gifted but he doesn’t this otherworldly athleticism like some of his future/current peers. Darren Peterson jumping him in the rankings and mocks is going to be a blessing in disguise for him. I see his game maturing more along a Jimmy Butler path, dominating with his IQ, effort and two-way tenacity,” one redditor observed.
While he was the team leader in points against Australia, teammate and incoming Arizona freshman Koa Peat also had an impressive showing, with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists for the double-double. However, many praised Dybantsa for showing maturity in his game, which another redditor pointed out:
“Same, when I watch AJ I’m seeing the gears turn in his head. Methodical and thinking about how he wants the game to unfold. But not the kind like Darren Peterson to just dominate his way through the game. 2 different approaches to winning,” replied a redditor.
The two reddit comments noted his rivalry with the No. 2 from his class, Darryn Peterson, who took the No. 1 rank from Dybantsa in 247Spoorts’ rankings, though AJ retained the No. 1 spot for ESPN and On3.
AJ Dybantsa and USA Basketball Barely Escape Canada To Move To the Semi-Finals
As for USA Basketball U19, the Americans are through to the quarterfinals, but they had a bit of a struggle against regional rival Canada. The final score was 108-102, with AJ Dybantsa once again leading the way with 22 points, four rebounds, and three assists, with him being the most efficient player on the floor at 25.
Six Americans were in double figures, including Mikel Brown Jr. with 20, Jordan Smith Jr. with 14, and Tyran Stokes, Morez Johnson Jr. and Nikolas Khamenia each finishing with 10 points. The Americans will next face New Zealand in the Semi-finals on Sunday.
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